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Marrakech – In a high-level meeting in Moscow on Thursday, Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita held substantive talks with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov. The discussions were characterized by positive understanding and harmony.
Bourita conveyed “best wishes and greetings” from King Mohammed VI to Russian President Vladimir Putin during the meeting. He pointed to the deep mutual respect between the two leaders.
The Moroccan Foreign Minister noted that Morocco-Russia relations are experiencing “continuous development,” reflecting the strength of the strategic partnership signed in 2016. This partnership established the foundations for “balanced and fruitful” cooperation across various sectors.
In his statement, Morocco’s chief diplomat affirmed that the country considers Russia “a reliable partner and a key player” on the international stage. He added that this partnership is based on “mutual respect and continuous understanding” on regional and international issues.
Bourita mentioned the “special appreciation and respect” King Mohammed VI has for President Putin. This royal appreciation reflects the high level of trust that characterizes relations between Rabat and Moscow, making Russia “an important partner” for Morocco in political, economic, scientific, and cultural domains.
Following the negotiations, Lavrov reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations. “We firmly confirmed our determination to continue working together to further strengthen traditionally friendly, trusting relations, and strategic partnership between our countries,” Lavrov stated at a press conference.
Both sides thoroughly examined current bilateral agenda items and briefly touched on trade and economic exchanges. “We have a mutual interest in increasing trade volumes and seeking areas for mutual investment. We share the opinion that the potential for practical cooperation in these areas is far from exhausted,” Lavrov concluded.
Moscow and Rabat aim to increase mutual trade, according to the Russian Foreign Minister. He noted that both sides agree that the potential for practical cooperation in these areas is far from exhausted.
A visit coinciding with changing diplomatic winds
A memorandum was signed following the talks to establish a Russian-Moroccan interdepartmental working committee designed to deepen the strategic partnership between the countries.
The current visit to Russia’s capital symbolizes the comprehensive nature of the partnership. Lavrov noted that the relationship is based on agreements reached between their leaders, which are rooted in two landmark milestones – the 2002 Declaration on the Strategic Partnership following the King’s first visit to Moscow, and the 2016 Statement on Deepening the Strategic Partnership signed during his second visit.
President Putin’s reciprocal official visit to Morocco in 2006 further consolidated this diplomatic framework.
Bourita also mentioned that he will meet with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev on Friday, noting that they will discuss economic issues between the two countries.
“Tomorrow, the eighth meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, and Technical Cooperation will take place, and Dmitry Patrushev, who heads the Russian side of the Commission, will hold talks with me. We will discuss economic issues and how we can move forward in this area,” he said following talks with Lavrov.
He added that the Commission “is indeed an important element of bilateral cooperation, addressing humanitarian issues, education, and other fields.”
This visit comes as Russia shows signs of softening its traditional “neutral” stance on the Western Sahara dispute, moving away from its long-standing rhetoric centered on “self-determination” and the now-obsolete referendum option.
Moscow appears to be stepping out of its comfort zone, with growing indications that it is aligning more closely with Morocco’s position – especially as only two weeks remain before the end-of-month UN Security Council vote on renewing MINURSO’s mandate, which Russia happens to chair this month.
On October 13, Lavrov stated that “Russia is prepared to support a resolution to the Western Sahara conflict that satisfies all parties. For us, the issue will be resolved when all involved genuinely believe that a balanced solution has been achieved,” signaling a potential shift in Russia’s approach.
Since 2018, Russia has abstained from voting on Security Council resolutions concerning the Sahara issue, a notable change from its previous positions.
On September 9, Bourita and Lavrov held a phone conversation, followed by a meeting on September 24 in New York during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
