Morocco

Russia agrees to help Morocco build nuclear plant

14 October 2022; MEMO: The Russian government has agreed to a cooperation agreement with Morocco in the field of nuclear energy, which includes support for the kingdom's construction of a nuclear plant.

The Russian TASS news agency said yesterday that the Russian Official Portal of Legal Information published on Wednesday a decision issued by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin approving a draft agreement between Moscow and Rabat for cooperation in the field of nuclear energy.

French Ambassador to Morocco leaves post amid tension

29 Sep 2022; MEMO: The French Ambassador to Morocco, Helen Le Gall, said Thursday she was ending her tenure in the North African nation, Anadolu News Agency reports.

The diplomat said her 3-year tenure in Morocco was full of "fruitful cooperation and rich meetings."

The Envoy's departure comes amid ongoing tension between Rabat and Paris, fuelled by the tightening of visa restrictions against Moroccans, and talk of French companies' withdrawal from Morocco.

Polisario warns Africa Eco Race not to pass through Sahara

13 Sep 2022; MEMO: The Polisario Front on Sunday called on the organisers of the Africa Eco Race not to allow the rally to pass through the Sahara.

The rally's organisers announced that the 2022 rally, scheduled for 15-30 October will cross the disputed Western Sahara region.

The Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) urged the organisers of the rave not to cross their national territory, according to a statement reported by the Sahara Press Service.

Morocco to launch $213m agricultural project in Western Sahara

10 Sep 2022; MEMO: Morocco is seeking to attract investors for an agricultural project worth $213 million in the disputed Western Sahara region, where its cultivated land is irrigated through a wind-powered desalting plant.

According to a tender issued by the Moroccan Ministry of Agriculture on Friday, the project's goal is to convert 52 square kilometres of unused land near the city of Dakhla into farms for fruits, vegetables and fodder.

Moroccan body calls to close Israeli liaison office over sexual misconduct

09 Sep 2022; MEMO: The Moroccan National Action Group for Palestine demanded Thursday to "close the Israeli liaison office in Rabat, and cease normalisation with Israel", following sexual abuse allegations against envoy, David Govrin, Anadolu news agency reported.

Israel probes corruption, sexual harassment scandals in Morocco consulate

06 Sep 2022; MEMO: Israel's Foreign Ministry has started an investigation into corruption, sexual harassment and financial improprieties in the consulate in Morocco, local media reported yesterday.

The scandals included charges that a senior Israeli official sexually exploited several local women.

Morocco raises minimum wage 9.3% amid rising prices

02 September 2022; MEMO: Morocco has raised the minimum wage for the public sector by 9.3 per cent to 3,500 dirhams ($350) as of September, amid a surge in prices.

Following a cabinet meeting yesterday, Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch said the government has taken a number of decisions that would improve citizens' income and increase their purchasing power as part of implementing the national social dialogue.

Morocco FM cancels meeting with EU foreign policy chief

30 August 2022; MEMO: Morocco's Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita has cancelled a meeting scheduled for September with the European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell.

The Spanish Radio and Television Corporation (RTVE) quoted diplomatic sources as saying that Bourita had cancelled the scheduled meeting without giving reasons, however, observers believe the cancellation was linked to Borrell's recent statements on the Sahara issue.

Morocco recalls Tunisia ambassador over Western Sahara

RABAT, Aug 26 (Reuters) - Morocco recalled its ambassador to Tunisia on Friday after Tunisian President Kais Saied received the head of the Polisario Front movement that is seeking independence for Western Sahara, a territory Morocco regards as its own.

Morocco said Tunisia's decision to invite Brahim Ghali to a Japanese development summit for Africa that Tunis is hosting this weekend was "a grave and unprecedented act that deeply hurts the feelings of the Moroccan people".

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