HIBAPRESS
Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates, held talks today in Moscow with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov.
This meeting falls within the framework of the deep strategic partnership signed by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God grant him victory, and President Vladimir Putin in March 2016. The two ministers praised the strong momentum added to it by the leaders of the two countries, as their vision continues to strengthen and guide this partnership, which has reached its peak. The two ministers also expressed their satisfaction with the good level of their discussions and the dynamic of dialogue and cooperation that characterizes Moroccan-Russian relations. They reiterated their joint will to elevate these relations to a higher level, in a way that meets the expectations and qualifications of the two countries. These discussions also made it possible to delve deeply into ways to develop bilateral relations, through the full exploitation of the two countries' qualifications and the investment of historical friendship and fruitful cooperation that they have worked to strengthen. The two ministers signed a memorandum of understanding concerning the establishment of a Russian-Moroccan working committee between the foreign ministries of the two countries. This body will be in charge of taking stock of the partnership and formulating proposals to identify new areas of cooperation with high added value, in order to deepen bilateral relations and explore their future. On the other hand, the two ministers agreed to establish a regular political dialogue and ensure joint follow-up of the agreements concluded, with the aim of giving new momentum to cooperation and strategic partnership between Morocco and Russia. In addition, Mr. Bourita and Mr. Lavrov reviewed regional and international issues of common interest, especially in North Africa, the Sahel region, and the Middle East. These discussions are part of the ongoing dialogue and regular contacts between the two ministers, whether in Morocco, Russia, or on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. During his visit to Moscow, Mr. Bourita will jointly chair, with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev, the work of the eighth session of the Joint Committee for Cooperation between the two countries. It is worth noting that since His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God grant him victory, ascended the throne, relations between Morocco and Russia have witnessed a remarkable flourishing. His Majesty the King made two visits to Moscow in October 2002 and March 2016, which were crowned by the conclusion of a strategic partnership, then a deep strategic partnership. For his part, President Vladimir Putin paid an official visit to Morocco in September 2006.
