 "Chinese President Xi Jinping listens as US President Joe Biden, not pictured, delivers remarks during an event launching the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty at the G20 Summit at the Museum of Modern Art in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on Monday. File Image: Reuters")
Chinese President Xi Jinping made a short visit to Morocco on Thursday, according to state news agency MAP.
Xi was welcomed in Casablanca by Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan and the visit reflected the strong bonds of friendship, cooperation, and solidarity between the Moroccan and Chinese peoples, the agency said.
Xi made the visit after being in Brazil for the G20 Summit.
China has stepped up investments in Morocco’s infrastructure and rail sector in recent years.
Morocco’s geographic location close to Europe, its free trade agreements with key EU and U.S. markets and its existing automotive industry, make it attractive to Chinese electric vehicle battery makers.
In June, Chinese EV battery manufacturer Gotion High Tech picked Morocco to set up Africa’s first gigafactory for a total cost of $1.3 billion.