Morocco – Russia: Nasser Bourita Expected in Moscow to Deepen Strategic Dialogue with Sergey Lavrov
A new chapter is opening in Moroccan-Russian relations. Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, is expected in Moscow this Thursday, October 16, where he will meet with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, as part of a high-level diplomatic dialogue.
The announcement was made on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, by Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, who confirmed that the meeting will coincide with the 8th session of the Russian-Moroccan Joint Commission on Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation, co-chaired by both ministers.
A Growing Bilateral Partnership
According to an official statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry, the talks will cover “the current state and prospects for the progressive development of bilateral relations” between Rabat and Moscow. The agenda will also include several international issues of shared interest, particularly the situation in the Middle East, North Africa, and the Sahara-Sahel region.
Zakharova emphasized that the political dialogue between the two capitals is marked by regularity and constructive spirit, underlining the closeness of their positions on many major international issues. This meeting takes place amid intensified diplomatic consultations between Morocco and Russia, two historic partners with converging interests on multiple fronts.
The Sahara Issue at the Heart of Discussions
This visit comes only days after Sergey Lavrov’s notable statement on the Moroccan Sahara question. The Russian foreign minister had affirmed that his country was ready to “positively consider the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco,” provided it is accepted by the concerned parties and placed under the auspices of the United Nations.
Lavrov also acknowledged that the Sahara conflict “has lasted for more than half a century” and that the initially proposed referendum solution “no longer reflects the realities on the ground.” He stated that Morocco’s autonomy plan now represents “a realistic and pragmatic path” toward a lasting settlement, provided it is backed by broad international consensus.
A Major Diplomatic Turning Point
For many observers, this shift in Russia’s rhetoric marks a significant diplomatic turning point, reflecting a more open approach from Moscow toward Morocco’s proposal—similar to the positions already expressed by the United States, France, and the United Kingdom.
The Bourita–Lavrov meeting is thus expected to reinforce this positive dynamic by deepening cooperation in economic, energy, scientific, and security fields, while strengthening political coordination on key regional and international issues.
A Dialogue Built on Trust
Minister Bourita’s visit to Moscow reaffirms Morocco’s determination to diversify its strategic partnerships and maintain a balanced dialogue with all of its allies, based on mutual respect and shared interests.
In an evolving global context, this meeting stands as a decisive step in consolidating the Moroccan-Russian partnership—one grounded in trust, consultation, and a shared vision for regional stability.
Translated from Abderrazzak Boussaid French article – le7tv
