Rabat – The peaceful applications of nuclear energy are of significant and promising importance, with increased potential for use in several priority areas defined by the New Development Model, notably economic and human development, but also territorial resilience, said, on Monday in Rabat, Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Leila Benali.

Speaking at the opening of the annual meeting of National Liaison Officers and National Coordinators (NLOs) of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) African Regional Cooperative Agreement for Research, Development and Training related to Nuclear Science and Technology, the Minister emphasized that Morocco opted early on for the peaceful use of nuclear energy and associated technologies, integrating them into various socio-economic sectors such as agriculture, health, water resource management and industry.

Peaceful nuclear applications are a pillar of sustainable development in Morocco, with a multi-disciplinary approach aimed at harnessi
ng the advantages offered by these technologies to effectively meet the complex challenges facing the country, noted Benali, recalling that this orientation has been reinforced by the adoption of the New Development Model (NMD), a strategic plan outlining Morocco’s development up to 2035.

Benali also emphasized the imperative of nuclear and radiological safety and security, both of which are of crucial importance in ensuring the safe and responsible use of these technologies, in the wake of Morocco’s long-term vision for sustainable and inclusive development.

She also recalled that Morocco has over the years signed and ratified all the conventions and treaties adopted under the aegis of the IAEA on nuclear and radiological safety and security, civil liability in the event of nuclear damage, and safeguards.