Relations between Morocco and Russia are historic and distinguished, under the leadership of HM King Mohammed VI and HE Russian President Vladimir Putin, Mr. Nasser Bourita pointed out.

Mr. Nasser Bourita stressed that these relations have significantly developed thanks to HM the King's visit to Russia in 2002 during which a strategic partnership was signed, and the Sovereign’s second visit to Russia in 2016, during which a renewed strategic partnership was announced between the two countries in addition to the establishment of a new roadmap for bilateral relations.

He pointed out that this renewed strategic partnership has given a strong boost to relations between the two countries and created positive and ambitious prospects for bilateral cooperation.

In this regard, Mr. Bourita said there is an advanced and regular political dialogue between Rabat and Moscow, stressing that the bilateral joint commission will be held next year in Moscow, with the planned signing of a series of agreements which will undoubtedly contribute to promoting bilateral cooperation in many areas such as energy, mining, agriculture and fisheries.

He also noted that his meeting with his Russian peer was also an opportunity to examine several regional and international issues.

These talks, Mr. Bourita added, also focused on the Moroccan Sahara, in addition to other subjects including the situation in Libya and the Sahel.

Regarding the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Bourita underlined the permanent and continued position of Morocco, based on clear principles and references which support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of UN member States, dialogue, good neighborliness and the use of peaceful solutions within the framework of United Nations resolutions.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov welcomed, Wednesday in Marrakech, Morocco's efforts to ensure the successful organization of the 6th Russian-Arab Cooperation Forum.

"Morocco has made great efforts to ensure the successful organization of this forum, which will contribute to strengthening Russian-Arab relations," the head of Russian diplomacy said at a joint press briefing with Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, and Deputy Secretary General of the Arab League, Houssam Zaki, following the 6th Russian-Arab Cooperation Forum.

He underlined that "Morocco is one of our main partners in Africa and the Arab world and we have joint projects", stressing that Russia is determined to promote its partnership with the Kingdom in several vital areas, such as culture, mining and energy.

Regarding the situation in the Middle East, Lavrov said that his country, in coordination with its partners, particularly Arab countries, has made efforts to ensure long-term stability and find a solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict through diplomatic channels.

Russia supports a lasting solution based on the UN Security Council resolutions to settle the conflict around the Moroccan Sahara, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Wednesday in Marrakech.

"We support a lasting solution based on the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and we are committed to this line of principle aimed at moving forward and reaching adequate decisions" on the Moroccan Sahara, Lavrov underlined at a joint press briefing with Morocco's Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, following their talks at the end of the 6th Russian-Arab Cooperation Forum.

The head of Russian diplomacy also expressed his country’s support for the mediation efforts of the UN Secretary-General's Personal Envoy for the Sahara, Staffan de Mistura.