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Rabat — Russia’s Foreign Ministry called Morocco “an important partner” in Africa on Wednesday, just ahead of a high-level diplomatic visit that will bring Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita to Moscow.
The ministry announced that Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will meet with Bourita tomorrow to discuss strengthening the traditionally friendly relationship between the two countries. The talks will explore promising areas for future cooperation, according to the statement.
During his Moscow visit, Bourita will also co-chair the 8th session of the Russian-Moroccan Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation alongside Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev.
The Russian ministry stressed the personal relationship between King Mohammed VI and President Vladimir Putin, describing their ties as “long-standing” and built on “friendship and mutual respect.”
King Mohammed VI has visited Russia twice — in October 2002 and March 2016. The visits produced two landmark agreements, namely a Declaration on Strategic Partnership and a Declaration on Enhanced Strategic Partnership.
Read also: Russia’s FM to Hold Talks with Bourita Amid Moscow’s Possible Shift on Western Sahara
Russia says these documents now serve as blueprints that will guide bilateral relations for decades to come.
President Putin returned the diplomatic gesture with an official visit to Morocco in September 2006. More recently, high-level Moroccan delegations led by the head of government attended the Russia-Africa summits in 2019 and 2023.
Thursday’s meeting will cover more than bilateral issues. Lavrov and Bourita plan to exchange views on regional and international matters, including conflicts and crises in the Middle East, North Africa and the Sahel region.
The two ministers are set to focus on political and diplomatic solutions to these challenges.
The talks will also tackle practical questions about expanding trade and economic cooperation, with the ministry’s statement stressing today that both sides want to better tap into existing opportunities.
The Russian Foreign Ministry pointed out that its officials maintain close coordination with their Moroccan counterparts. Lavrov and Bourita meet regularly on the sidelines of UN General Assembly sessions and stay in touch by phone between those encounters.
Russia expressed hope that Bourita’s visit will strengthen the multidimensional partnership with Morocco and boost joint efforts to ensure lasting peace and stability in the Middle East, North Africa, and the Sahel.
