Morocco, Tunisia probe means to reinforce cooperation in energy

Moroccan energy and mining minister, Mohamed Boutaleb, and his Tunisian peer, Moncef Ben Abdellah, probed in Rabat on Monday means to reinforce cooperation in energy and mining between the two Maghreban states.

The two officials said it is crucial to exchange experience in oil prospecting through geological and geo-physical studies in sedimentary basins, and to intensify contacts to drain investors in mining and oil prospecting.

Cooperation in rural electrification and renewable energy was also highlighted by the two officials who decided to convene a session of the follow-up energy committee at the end of September.

The two Maghreban ministers reviewed the results of the Euro-Mediterranean conference on energy, held last May in Athena, that was marked by the signing of a declaration on the creation of a Maghreban electricity market.

In the same vein, Boutaleb recalled the accord concluded between the National Office of Oil Research and Exploitation (ONAREP) and the Tunisian company in charge of oil-related activities for the promotion of bilateral cooperation in training and prospecting.

The meeting of the two Maghreban ministers is part of the 11th session of the Moroccan-Tunisian High Commission held in Rabat this July 14-15 under the co-chairmanship of Moroccan premier, Driss Jettou, and Tunisian peer Muhammad al-Ghanoushe.