Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita, on 4 February 2026, called for the establishment of a “pact of loyalty” and trustworthy partnerships in the global critical minerals sector during a ministerial meeting hosted by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington.
Speaking at the meeting dedicated to critical minerals, Bourita said that under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, Morocco aims to position itself as a responsible and reliable partner in the sector, citing the Kingdom’s geostrategic location, resource base, infrastructure, and political stability.
The Moroccan foreign minister stressed that the current global challenge is not a shortage of minerals or rare earth elements but rather the need for responsible development, transparent cooperation frameworks, and trust-based partnerships that promote shared prosperity instead of dependency.
He advocated for a “loyalty pact” among producers, processors and end-users founded on strategic respect and balanced sovereignty, adding that Africa should be placed at the centre of global critical mineral value chains.
Bourita recalled a message by King Mohammed VI to the 2025 Ibrahim Governance Weekend Forum, highlighting that Africa holds about 40 percent of global raw material reserves and 30 percent of critical minerals, and should move beyond exporting raw materials to creating value through processing and industrial development.
He underscored the importance of investing in infrastructure, skills development and governance systems across the continent to convert natural resources into sustainable economic growth, employment opportunities and long-term prosperity.
Assessing the current global mining landscape, Bourita said existing globalization in the sector is “neither free, fair nor resilient,” arguing that supply chains have become instruments of unilateral pressure rather than drivers of shared progress.
“If this century is to be defined by critical minerals, let it also be the century of reliable partnerships, mutual respect and shared stability,” he said.
Speaking on the sidelines of the meeting, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described Morocco as a key partner, noting its significant mineral deposits, willingness to invest in value-added processing and participation in global cooperation initiatives.
Rubio said Morocco has an interest in ensuring a reliable and diversified supply of processed and refined materials to support economic development, adding that Washington welcomes the Kingdom’s active role in the initiative.
The opening session was attended by US Vice President JD Vance.
Discussions during the meeting focused on investments in critical minerals, price floor mechanisms, and the launch of the “Forum on Geostrategic Engagement in the Minerals and Resources Sector.”