Rabat – The sixth session of the Russian-Arab Cooperation Forum kicked off on Wednesday in Marrakech, bringing together foreign ministers from participating countries.
This includes Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita, who is chairing the meeting, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Deputy Secretary-General of the Arab League Houssam Zaki, and ministerial delegations from various Arab countries.
In his opening remarks, Bourita welcomed the participating delegations and expressed his wishes for a successful forum in the “historic city of Marrakech.”
Bourita highlighted the tangible progress in Russian-Arab cooperation since the establishment of the partnership in 2009. He emphasized the maturity of the forum, underlining its significance as a framework for dialogue and collaboration aligned with mutual expectations.
The Moroccan FM aspired to elevate the forum to a level of genuine and effective Arab-Russian strategic dialogue, emphasizing “respect, shared responsibility, openness, solidarity, and commitment” as the pillars of this partnership.
He called for a balanced approach that considers political and economic interests alongside the realities, capabilities, and aspirations of both partners.
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The foreign minister outlined key considerations for the future of Arab-Russian cooperation, including transitioning from traditional political exchanges to strategic dialogue, and fostering economic and cultural ties through the creation of an “Economic and Cultural Forum.”
Morocco was chosen to host the ongoing session during the previous meeting which took place in Moscow in April 2019.
This edition is held in the format of an “expanded Troika,” involving a collaboration structure that includes the Secretary-General of the Arab League, three ministers forming the Arab Ministerial Troika, and the leader presiding over the Arab Summit.
The cooperation forum will focus on cooperation between Russia and the Arab world in various sectors.
Over the past few years, the forum has grown in significance as a platform for the exchange of views and coordinating positions regarding various regional and international issues. It notably focuses on the interests and priorities that bind the Arab and Russian cooperation in politics, economy, and trade.
