Morocco and Russia pledge to deepen dialogue, cooperation

On Tuesday, September 9, Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita held a phone conversation with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov. According to the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the exchange aimed to «continue and strengthen the political dialogue and the traditionally friendly relations between the two countries».

The ministers highlighted «the need to pursue the work initiated since King Mohammed VI’s 2016 state visit to Moscow and to deepen it across all areas of common interest». They also discussed «upcoming bilateral milestones, notably preparations for the 8th Joint Commission».

Their talks further touched on «regional and international issues», with both sides pledging to maintain a «constructive and respectful political dialogue».

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for its part, confirmed in a statement that «at Morocco’s initiative, a phone conversation took place» between Lavrov and Bourita. Moscow noted that the discussion «focused primarily on practical issues to strengthen the traditionally friendly relations between Russia and Morocco in political, commercial, economic, and other spheres», while also including «an exchange of views on regional and international matters of mutual concern».

This conversation comes as Russia prepares to assume the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council in October, when the body is expected to examine the Western Sahara issue and vote on a resolution to extend MINURSO’s mandate for another year.