Moscow Praises Morocco as a Key Partner in Africa Ahead of Nasser Bourita’s Visit
Ahead of the anticipated visit of Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Abroad, Nasser Bourita, to Moscow, Russia has described Morocco as an “important partner” on the African continent, emphasizing the strength and depth of bilateral relations between the two countries.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Russian Foreign Ministry indicated that Bourita will hold talks in Moscow on Thursday with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, focusing on the prospects for developing Moroccan-Russian relations, which are characterized as “traditionally friendly.”
The Moroccan minister will co-chair the eighth session of the Joint Commission for Economic, Scientific, and Technical Cooperation alongside Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev.
The statement reminded that the relations between the two countries are founded on a long-standing friendship and mutual respect, reinforced by the connections between King Mohammed VI and President Vladimir Putin. The Moroccan monarch has made two official visits to Russia, the first in 2002 and the second in 2016, which culminated in the signing of two declarations on strategic partnership and its deepening.
In turn, President Putin visited Morocco in 2006, symbolizing the strength of the bilateral dialogue. High-level Moroccan delegations also participated in the Russia-Africa summits in 2019 and 2023.
The discussions between Lavrov and Bourita will also address several regional and international issues, including crises in the Middle East, North Africa, and the Sahel region, emphasizing political and diplomatic solutions.
Additionally, there will be a special focus on enhancing economic and trade cooperation and exploiting potential opportunities between the two countries.
The Russian Foreign Ministry noted the close coordination between Moroccan and Russian diplomacy, recalling the regular meetings between the two ministers on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly or through direct phone communications.
Moscow hopes that this visit will contribute to deepening the multidimensional partnership between the two nations and strengthening joint efforts for peace and stability in the Middle East, North Africa, and the Sahel region.
