Emirati minister highlights deep-rooted historical ties between the two countries Discussions also covered the UAE’s hosting of COP28 and uniting efforts to ensure energy security RABAT: The UAE’s minister of industry and advanced technology, Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al-Jaber, and Morocco’s Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch discussed ways of boosting their cooperation and investment opportunities during an official visit to Rabat. Al-Jaber met with Akhannouch and several Moroccan ministers during a gathering also attended by the UAE’s Ambassador to Morocco Al-Asri Saeed Ahmed Al-Dhaheri. The Emirati minister, during the meeting, highlighted the deep-rooted historical ties between the two countries, reported Emirates News Agency on Wednesday. The visit aligns with the mutual keenness of the two countries’ leaderships to enhance and expand their relations in new strategic fields, and boost their cooperation across industry, economy, investments, culture, and tourism. Al-Jaber also met with Nasser Bourita, Morocco’s minister of foreign affairs, African cooperation and Moroccan expatriates, and discussed ways of enhancing bilateral relations and several regional and international issues of mutual concern. The Emirati minister held separate meetings with his Moroccan counterparts Riyad Mazour, minister of industry and trade, and Leila Benali, minister of energy transition and sustainable development, to discuss boosting cooperation in the areas of energy, renewable energy, industry and technology, and the importance of continuing relevant coordination and consultations between the two countries. The discussions also covered the UAE’s hosting of COP28 and uniting efforts to ensure energy security and support climate action toward achieving sustainable economic development goals. The total UAE-Morocco non-oil trade exchange reached 2.8 billion UAE Dirhams ($762.4 million) in the first nine months of 2022, a growth of 24 percent compared to the same period in 2021.