The deal was agreed alongside a Russia-Africa summit taking place in Sochi, Russia, as Russia seeks to increase its influence in the region.

Morocco’s sole refinery, Samir, has been shut down since 2015 over unpaid taxes and heavy debt, leaving the country reliant on imported refined products.

Unlike its North African neighbours, Morocco imports most of its energy needs. The energy import bill surged to 82.3 billion dirhams ($8.6 billion) in 2018, up 18 percent compared to a year earlier.

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