Morocco-Germany: Signing of a Declaration of Intent on Energy Alliance

Friday 28 June 2024 - 16:25

Berlin, the capital of Germany, hosted a significant meeting on Friday, June 28th, between Nasser Bourita, Morocco's Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Annalena Baerbock, his German counterpart. The discussions highlighted critical areas of cooperation and underscored the bilateral relations between the two nations, particularly focusing on immigration and renewable energy.

During the conference, Annalena Baerbock expressed her enthusiasm for Morocco, Portugal, and Spain jointly hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup, stating, "This once again shows how much sports unite us and emphasizes the close ties between Europe and North Africa." She also emphasized that the meeting aimed at discussing strategic cooperation matters beyond sports.

Nasser Bourita expressed satisfaction with the positive evolution of relations between Morocco and Germany since Baerbock's visit to Morocco in 2022. He also stressed the importance of coordinated efforts between both countries on regional and international issues, particularly in North Africa and the Sahel region.

A highlight of the meeting was the signing of a declaration of intent on the energy alliance between Germany and Morocco. Baerbock highlighted Morocco's vast potential in renewable energies, particularly in green hydrogen, stating, "Morocco is already a beacon in this transition in the region."

The two ministers also discussed the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Baerbock emphasized the need for concerted efforts to alleviate suffering in the region, endorsing the plan proposed by US President Joe Biden. She declared, "Isolation is the enemy of security," stressing the importance of international cooperation, a principle both nations uphold.

Migration was another focal point, with an emphasis on facilitating legal migration through cooperation. "We aim to increase legal migration, ensuring those without the right to stay cannot remain in Germany," said Baerbock, underlining the importance of addressing Germany's skilled labor needs and reducing unemployment in Morocco, key challenges for both nations.

Women's rights and feminist foreign policy were also discussed. Baerbock emphasized that "women's rights are a measure of societal security." She highlighted Moroccan women diplomats as exemplary, expressing mutual intent to strengthen cooperation in this sphere.

This strategic meeting between Morocco and Germany sets the stage for enhanced cooperation in crucial domains, solidifying bilateral relations and paving the way for future collaboration in energy, migration, and human rights.