The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Wednesday that the Russian Federation views Morocco as an “important partner” in Africa.
The ministry stated in a press release ahead of the visit by Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Abroad, Nasser Bourita, that Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will hold talks with Bourita in Moscow on Thursday. The discussions will focus on promising avenues for developing the long-standing friendly relations between Russia and Morocco.
The statement further indicated that Bourita would co-chair the eighth session of the Russian-Moroccan joint government commission for economic, scientific, and technical cooperation alongside Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev.
The Russian diplomacy emphasized the longstanding relationships between the leaders of both countries, His Majesty King Mohammed VI and President Vladimir Putin, which are based on friendship and mutual respect.
In this context, the ministry noted that King Mohammed VI made two visits to Russia in October 2002 and March 2016, during which strategic partnership declarations were signed, becoming essential documents defining the priorities for bilateral relations in the coming decades.
President Putin made an official visit to Morocco in September 2006.
It was highlighted that high-level Moroccan delegations, led by the Prime Minister, participated in the Russia-Africa summits in 2019 and 2023.
Lavrov and Bourita will also exchange views on current international and regional issues, emphasizing the need to resolve conflicts and crises in the Middle East, North Africa, and the Sahel region exclusively through political-diplomatic means.
According to the press release, special attention will be given to practical issues related to expanding trade and economic cooperation and optimizing existing potential.
The Russian ministry pointed to the close coordination between officials of the Russian and Moroccan foreign ministries, highlighting regular meetings between Lavrov and Bourita, especially on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly, as well as their telephone conversations.
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed hope that Bourita’s visit to Russia would enhance the multifaceted partnership with Morocco and encourage intensified joint efforts to ensure lasting peace and stability in the Middle East, North Africa, and the Sahel region.
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