Rabat – Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita held a phone call with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov on Tuesday, discussing the development of bilateral relations between the two countries.
“This telephone conversation focused on the development of bilateral relations in the framework of mutual respect, constructive dialogue and strengthening sectoral cooperation,” a statement from Morocco’s foreign ministry said.
The pair also discussed “regional and international issues,” the statement added.
Since the start of the war in Ukraine a year ago, reports have pointed to Russia looking to keep a strong relation with Morocco, in line with its strategy in Africa in general.
In January, Reuters reported that Russia would be increasing its diesel deliveries to Morocco as part of its plans to reroute its oil products ahead of EU sanctions.
Stock market website Market News reported that diesel deliveries to Morocco from Russia increased to 735,000 tonnes in 2022, compared to only 66,000 tonnes in 2021.
At the same time that Rabat and Moscow are strengthening their ties, Morocco has sought to walk a fine line on the international stage, with Russia being the subject of condemnations since the war in Ukraine began.
Last month, the North African country voted for a UN resolution that condemned Russia and called for an immediate withdrawal from Ukraine.
