Washington hosted a ministerial-level meeting on Wednesday focused on critical minerals, a sector that has become central to global economic and geostrategic balances.
Morocco was represented at the meeting—organised by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio—by Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita.
The gathering aimed to explore ways to secure and diversify supply chains for critical minerals, which are essential to the energy transition, advanced technologies and defence industries.
The opening session was attended by U.S. Vice President JD Vance, underscoring the strategic importance Washington attaches to the issue.
Discussions centred on investment in exploration, extraction and processing of critical minerals, as well as mechanisms to help stabilise markets, including the possible introduction of price floors.
Participants also launched the “Forum on Geostrategic Engagement in Minerals and Resources,” a new platform designed to strengthen international coordination and promote sustainable partnerships among producing, processing and consuming countries.
The high-level meeting brought together foreign ministers and senior officials from more than 50 countries, highlighting the global significance of critical minerals at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions and ongoing reconfiguration of global value chains. Countries represented included Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Jordan, Bahrain and Oman, alongside several European states such as France, Germany, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Italy, Norway and Sweden.
Major economic powers from Asia and the Americas were also in attendance, including India, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico and Australia.
Morocco’s participation reflects its determination to strengthen its position within global value chains for strategic resources, while contributing to international efforts to ensure a sustainable and resilient supply of critical minerals.
Speaking on the sidelines of the meeting, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Morocco plays a “key role” in efforts to secure and diversify global supply chains for critical minerals.
Rubio noted that Morocco has a “key role to play due to its mineral deposits, its willingness to invest in processing, and its readiness to engage in this global initiative.”
“This is important for Morocco, which can play a leading role given its significant mineral reserves and its ability to leverage them for economic development,” the U.S. top diplomat added.
AK/lb/as/APA