Morocco plays a “key role” in efforts to secure and diversify global supply chains for critical minerals, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Wednesday in Washington.
Speaking at a press conference on the sidelines of a ministerial meeting on critical minerals, held at the U.S. Department of State, Marco Rubio explained that Morocco has “a key role to play because of the deposits it possesses, but also because of the Kingdom’s willingness to invest in processing and its cooperation in agreeing to take part in this global initiative.”
“This is important for Morocco, which can play a leading role, as it has significant mineral reserves that it can leverage to develop its economy,” the U.S. Secretary of State added, in response to a question from MAP.
Rubio noted that, like other countries around the world, the Kingdom has “an interest in having a reliable and diversified supply across the globe of processed, finished and refined materials that can be used in a cost-effective way to support its economic development.”
“Morocco can therefore play a key role in this regard, and we are very pleased that it is here today, at the table with us,” the U.S. Secretary of State stressed, on the sidelines of the meeting, which brought together foreign ministers and senior officials from more than fifty countries, including Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita.
The opening session of the meeting was marked by the participation of U.S. Vice President JD Vance.
Discussions focused on investments in critical minerals and floor price mechanisms. Participants also launched the “Forum on Geostrategic Engagement in the Minerals and Resources Sector.”
Among the participating countries were Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Jordan, Bahrain, Oman, France, Belgium, Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, Norway, Sweden, India, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico and Australia.
