Morocco plays a “key role” in international efforts to secure and diversify global supply chains for critical minerals, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Wednesday in Washington.
Speaking at a press conference on the sidelines of a ministerial meeting on critical minerals hosted by the U.S. State Department, Rubio underlined Morocco’s strategic importance, citing both the Kingdom’s mineral resources and its readiness to invest in value-added processing industries.
“Morocco plays a key role because of the mineral deposits that it has, but also because of its willingness to invest in processing and its cooperation in being willing to be a part of this global initiative,” Rubio said.
He added that the issue is “critical for Morocco,” noting that the country possesses significant mineral supplies that can contribute to economic development through mining and related industries.
Rubio also emphasized that, like many countries worldwide, Morocco seeks to harness its natural resources in an environmentally responsible manner to strengthen its domestic economy, rather than limiting its role to raw material extraction alone.
“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,” he said, referring to the high-level meeting that brought together foreign ministers and senior officials from more than 50 countries.
Morocco was represented at the gathering by Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates Nasser Bourita. The opening session was also attended by U.S. Vice President JD Vance.
Discussions during the meeting focused on boosting investments in critical minerals, establishing price-floor mechanisms, and strengthening cooperation to stabilize global supply chains. Participants also announced the launch of the “Forum on Geostrategic Engagement in the Minerals and Resources Sector.”
Countries taking part in the ministerial meeting included Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Jordan, Bahrain, Oman, France, Belgium, Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, Norway, Sweden, India, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, and Australia, alongside Morocco.
