Oman and Morocco Sign Landmark Cooperation Agreement at COP28

Monday 04 December 2023 - 19:53

By: El Moutaouakel Kaoutar

Oman and Morocco Sign Landmark Cooperation Agreement at COP28

In Dubai, a historic agreement was formalized between Oman and Morocco to strengthen their collaboration in the fields of environmental protection and sustainable development.

The signing ceremony took place at the Morocco Pavilion during the UN Climate Conference (COP28), where Leila Benali, Morocco's Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, and Abdallah bin Ali Al-Amri, Chairman of the Omani Environment Agency, solidified their commitment to a shared vision.

The agreement aligns with key international frameworks, including the Paris Climate Change Agreement, the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the resolutions of the Rio + 20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development.

Beyond its symbolic importance, the agreement reflects a mutual acknowledgment of the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and underscores the necessity for an economic recovery that prioritizes environmental considerations and sustainable growth.

At its core, the accord aims to establish a foundation for bilateral cooperation in environmental protection and sustainable development through the implementation of a "win-win strategy."

Specifically, the agreement addresses critical areas such as waste and chemical management, environmental governance, and monitoring and assessment. It emphasizes the importance of information exchange on sustainable development, technical assistance, and capacity building to fulfill multilateral international environmental agreements.

Leila Benali emphasized the agreement's significance in preserving the longstanding bilateral relations between Oman and Morocco. She highlighted the commitment of both nations to achieving the SDGs and safeguarding the environment.

The Minister underscored Morocco's proactive approach through the implementation of bold policies, including the National Sustainable Development Strategy. This strategy provides a cohesive framework for integrating sustainability into sectoral and regional development policies.

Additionally, Benali mentioned the National Energy Strategy, a forward-looking initiative aiming to elevate the proportion of renewable energy to 52% of electricity production by 2030.

In conclusion, the agreement signifies a milestone in the collaborative efforts of Oman and Morocco towards a sustainable and environmentally conscious future. It reflects a shared commitment to global initiatives and outlines a roadmap for joint action in addressing pressing environmental challenges.