In Line with HM the King’s Vision, Morocco Sees Russia as Reliable, Constructive Partner – FM

Speaking at a press conference following his meeting with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, the minister indicated that these discussions were marked by a deep and fruitful dialogue, and also provided the opportunity to underline the strong strategic partnership between the two countries, as desired by His Majesty the King, noting the mutual esteem and reciprocated respect between the Sovereign and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

He added that the next year, which will mark the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Deepened Strategic Partnership between the two countries, as approved by HM the King and the Russian President, will also provide an opportunity to celebrate the achievements accomplished, recalling that during HM the King’s visit to Russia, 16 agreements were signed and have all been enacted since.

On the economic front, the minister said that this area has considerably developed, citing the tourism sector which is set to experience an outstanding growth, with the increase of Russian tourists, noting that Morocco’s flag carrier, Royal Air Maroc, has reopened the Casablanca-Moscow line with a rate of seven flights per week, as well as the upcoming launch of a new direct line linking Casablanca to Saint Petersburg.

Speaking on political dialogue, Bourita highlighted the strong ties between Morocco and Russia, who coordinate together within regional and international forums.

In this respect, he noted that the memorandum of understanding signed today aims to structure and organize bilateral consultations, in order to deepen them between the two ministries of Foreign Affairs, recalling the holding on Friday of the 8th session of the Morocco-Russia Joint Commission.

This session provides an opportunity to review the economic ties and the means of developing them, as well as for the signing of several agreements, he added, pointing out that this joint commission is an important mechanism, which allowed the development of bilateral ties in several fields, including agriculture, fisheries and academic cooperation. “Our meeting will thus be the opportunity to examine the means of bolstering and promoting this mechanism,” he maintained.

In this respect, Bourita indicated that the two parties are determined to take advantage of the year 2026 to give new impetus to their bilateral ties, mainly through ministerial visits and cultural activities in Russia and Morocco, in order to make the depth of these ties known.

He recalled, in this respect, that the Moroccan-Russian ties, which go back to the 18th century, rest on a substantial legal framework, which includes 188 bilateral agreements covering all fields, making it one of the richest partnerships that the Kingdom holds with another state.

The minister also said that it is hereby necessary to encourage new players to get involved in this bilateral momentum, particularly economic operators, notably through the strengthening of sectoral cooperation.

On a different note, Bourita said that his talks with his Russian counterpart also focused on the situation in the Middle East, noting that the two countries share similar views on this issue.

Praising the efforts of US President Donald Trump for a ceasefire and the delivery of humanitarian aid, he expressed the hope that all parties concerned would comply with all the provisions of this agreement, so that it would pave the way for a political perspective leading to a just and lasting solution to the Palestinian cause.

He recalled that His Majesty King Mohammed VI, in His quality as Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee, considers that the two-state solution remains the only viable framework to establish lasting peace, through the creation of a Palestinian state on the June 1967 borders, with Al-Quds East as capital, stressing the fact that “without a fundamental solution to this issue, no stability can be conceivable for the Middle East.”

He noted that Africa has also represented an essential area of political dialogue between the two countries, affirming that Russia holds an important place in Africa, adding that, in line with the vision of His Majesty the King, Morocco acts like a major actor on the continental level.

Discussions also delved into the situation in the Sahel, with a special highlight on the importance of respecting the sovereignty of the region’s states, their decisions and their political choices.

Bourita added that the two parties consider that these countries must not be submitted to any tutelage, whether from old colonial powers or actors trying to turn the region into their backyard. These countries have their own sovereign choices, “as long as they are supported by their people, Morocco stands by them to accompany them in their choices for achieving stability, particularly in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.”

He recalled that the Sovereign has repeatedly assured these countries that their stability is a priority for the Kingdom, which supports them in all their counterterrorism programs with a view to strengthening stability and promoting development.

“We also discussed the Russia-Africa Forum which we consider as a very important framework since the summit held in the past year and which has known great success in terms of both number of participants and results,” the minister said, adding that the ministerial meeting set to held during the next weeks will provide an opportunity to follow and work on materializing the aspirations of development and security desired.

Speaking on multilateral bodies, Bourita emphasized that “Morocco and Russia are among the countries that believe in a multilateral world as well as in the role of the United Nations. We also believe in an efficient and fair multilateral system that takes into consideration international transformations and the rights and aspirations of developing countries, particularly in Africa.” “This order can only achieve the desired results as long as it is not reformed with everyone’s participation,” he added.

He also called his talks with his Russian counterpart “positive and fruitful,” pointing out that he had invited Lavrov to visit Morocco as part of the celebrations marking the 10th anniversary of the Deepened Strategic Partnership between Morocco and Russia.

Editorial team/le7tv