Marrakech – In Moscow on Thursday, Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov met for substantive discussions that further strengthened the countries’ long-standing relationship.
The diplomatic ties between Morocco and Russia trace back to the 18th century, beginning with trade exchanges between Sultan Mohammed Ben Abdallah and Empress Catherine II. This historical connection deepened in 1897 when the Russian Empire established a consulate in Tangier. The relationship has remained continuous since then.
During the meeting, both ministers signed a memorandum establishing a Russian-Moroccan interdepartmental working committee aimed at deepening their strategic partnership.
“There are 188 agreements signed between the two countries across all fields, one of the richest legal frameworks Morocco has with any country,” Bourita stated during the press conference.
“Next year will mark ten years since the signing of the deep strategic partnership memorandum between the two countries,” Bourita said. This partnership was approved by King Mohammed VI and President Vladimir Putin in 2016, when 16 agreements were signed during the King’s visit, all now in effect.
The Moroccan minister pointed to significant developments in bilateral relations. “Our economic relations have developed significantly, and in tourism, this year will be exceptional for Russian tourist visits to Morocco,” he stated.
“Royal Air Maroc has reopened the Casablanca-Moscow route with seven weekly flights, and soon a direct Casablanca-Hamburg line will open to further promote tourism,” Bourita added.
The top diplomat stressed the strength of diplomatic coordination between the countries through various channels. “Our political dialogue is strong; we coordinate in regional and international forums,” he said. “Today we signed a memorandum of understanding to structure and deepen these political consultations between our foreign ministries.”
“Russia is considered an important actor internationally as a permanent member and as an influential participant in many issues,” Bourita noted. “Dialogue between us will yield positive results. It is not against anyone; it is for peace and stability in the region.”
Lavrov aligned himself with these remarks, stating, “We have stable, trusting contacts through our foreign ministries, primarily at the UN, but also at other international platforms, including Russia-Africa and Russia-Arab League forums.”
He went on to note, “We are united in the view that the just-signed memorandum of understanding on the establishment of the inter-ministerial working committee will contribute to strengthening our strategic partnership.”
The eighth session of the Moroccan-Russian joint committee is scheduled for Friday with Deputy Prime Minister Patrushev. “It will be an opportunity to discuss economic relations, how to develop them, and sign several agreements,” Bourita explained. “This committee is key to the development of agriculture, fisheries, academic cooperation, and more.”
A decade since forging a strategic partnership
Looking ahead to 2026, Bourita said Morocco plans to “give more visibility to bilateral relations, organize reciprocal visits of sectoral ministers, and cultural activities in Russia and Morocco to showcase the depth of the Moroccan-Russian relationship.”
This was echoed by the Kremlin’s diplomacy chief, who said, “Next year we will mark the decade since the high-level joint statement on deepening strategic partnership. We agreed to celebrate this anniversary with a series of events, including delegations between sectoral ministries and strengthening parliamentary contacts.”
He went on to say, “Our friends supported holding Russian Culture Days in Morocco, and we will continue active cultural dialogue. I thank my friend and colleague again and gladly give him the floor.”
On the African continent, Bourita noted the complementary roles of both nations. “Russia has an important role, Morocco is a key actor in Africa according to King Mohammed VI,” he stated. Both sides discussed the Russia-Africa Forum, which Bourita called “a very important framework since last year’s summit, successful in participation and outcomes.”
“Morocco and Russia are countries that believe in a multipolar world and the UN, but it must be fair and effective, considering international developments and the rights and expectations of developing countries, especially in Africa,” Bourita said. “This system cannot produce expected results without reform with participation of all.”
Bourita also addressed regional stability issues: “We discussed the Sahel and Sahara, agreeing that respect for sovereignty and choices of these countries is crucial. These countries should not be subjected to any guardianship. Morocco supports their choices to achieve stability.”
“His Majesty has repeatedly emphasized the importance of their stability and Morocco will accompany these countries in anti-terror programs to strengthen stability and development,” he added.
Regarding educational cooperation, Lavrov noted that 4,250 Moroccan students currently study in Russia, with a high interest in Russian education continuing to grow. “We will support this in every way and try to satisfy all who wish to come here to study in our higher education institutions,” the Russian minister said.
“We also discussed good contacts established through your colleagues in the media. There are reciprocal journalist visits and internship exchanges. We will also encourage this,” continued the Russian head of foreign affairs.
The relationship between the two countries was formalized in 2002 with the Declaration on Strategic Partnership during King Mohammed VI’s first visit to Moscow, followed by President Putin’s reciprocal visit to Morocco in 2006.
“As usual, dialogue with Sergey Lavrov is positive and fruitful,” Bourita concluded. “When invited for a bilateral visit, he came in recent years to Marrakech, and we now await a bilateral visit next year as part of celebrating the tenth anniversary of the deep strategic partnership between His Majesty the King and President Putin.”
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