Lavrov Praises the Depth of Moroccan-Russian Partnership and Confirms Agreement on Regional Issues
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov commended the strength of relations between Morocco and Russia, emphasizing that they are based on solid agreements and strategic charters signed between President Vladimir Putin and King Mohammed VI, notably the Strategic Partnership Declaration of 2002 and its subsequent deepening.
During his discussions with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita in Moscow, Lavrov stated that the visit by the Moroccan minister embodies the integrated nature of this partnership, highlighting the importance of these talks amid complex international circumstances and rapid developments in the Middle East and North Africa.
The Russian minister indicated that Moscow is ready to contribute to resolving regional issues in coordination with the concerned countries, stressing the importance of ongoing coordination within the United Nations and enhancing cooperation with the Arab League. He considered that bilateral consultations between the two countries form a fundamental pillar for exchanging views and discussing issues of mutual interest, affirming both nations’ commitment to deepening the partnership and enhancing cooperation in economic, scientific, and technical fields.
In a joint press conference with Bourita, Lavrov described the dialogue between the two sides as “beneficial and profound,” underscoring that Moroccan-Russian relations are built on friendship and mutual trust. He also noted the desire of both countries to increase trade volume and explore new investment opportunities, clarifying that these issues will be thoroughly discussed during the eighth session of the Joint Governmental Committee, which is set to be chaired by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev and his Moroccan counterpart.
Lavrov spoke of the growing cooperation in humanitarian and educational fields, noting that more than 4,000 Moroccan students are studying in Russia, and expressed his country’s readiness to support new students and encourage media and cultural cooperation between the two nations.
Regarding political coordination, the Russian minister confirmed that cooperation between the foreign ministries is characterized by mutual trust, especially within the United Nations and the Russia-Africa and Russia-Arab League cooperation forums. He mentioned that signing a memorandum of understanding to establish a Joint Working Committee will contribute to enhancing coordination and developing the strategic partnership between Moscow and Rabat.
Lavrov highlighted the alignment of positions between the two countries on various regional issues, including the situations in the Middle East, the Sahel, and the Western Sahara, asserting that Russia supports political and diplomatic solutions to disputes in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter. He praised Morocco’s “balanced and responsible” stance on the Ukrainian crisis, indicating that it reflects a deep understanding of the roots of the conflict.
On the Palestinian issue, the Russian minister commended King Mohammed VI’s efforts, as the Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee, in supporting peace endeavors, considering that the agreement for a ceasefire and the exchange of prisoners between Israel and Hamas is a positive step that should be reinforced to ensure the flow of aid and the reconstruction of Gaza.
Lavrov concluded by affirming both countries’ eagerness to celebrate the tenth anniversary of deepening the strategic partnership between Moscow and Rabat through reciprocal visits and cultural activities, emphasizing that the relationship between King Mohammed VI and President Vladimir Putin forms a solid foundation for continued close cooperation between the two nations.
