Morocco and Russia Strengthen Strategic Partnership During High-Level Talks in Moscow

Marrakech, The Gulf Observer: Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held comprehensive talks in Moscow on Thursday, reaffirming the strength of bilateral relations and advancing their strategic partnership through the signing of new cooperation frameworks.

The meeting, which builds upon centuries of diplomatic ties between the two nations, culminated in the signing of a memorandum establishing a Russian–Moroccan interdepartmental working committee to deepen coordination across multiple sectors.

“Today we signed a memorandum of understanding to structure and deepen our political consultations between the two foreign ministries,” Bourita said during a joint press conference. “There are 188 agreements signed between Morocco and Russia across all fields — one of the richest legal frameworks Morocco has with any country.”

The Moroccan top diplomat highlighted that 2026 will mark the tenth anniversary of the deep strategic partnership memorandum approved by King Mohammed VI and President Vladimir Putin in 2016, when 16 major agreements were concluded during the King’s official visit to Moscow. “Next year we plan to give more visibility to our bilateral relations, organise reciprocal ministerial visits, and host cultural activities in both countries to celebrate this milestone,” he said.

Bourita underscored the significant growth in economic and tourism ties between the two countries, noting that 2025 is expected to be “an exceptional year” for Russian tourist arrivals in Morocco. He announced that Royal Air Maroc has reopened the Casablanca–Moscow route with seven weekly flights and will soon launch a direct Casablanca–Hamburg route to further boost tourism.

On the political front, Bourita reaffirmed the “strong diplomatic coordination” between the two nations in various regional and international fora. “Russia is an important actor on the global stage, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council and a key participant in many international issues. Dialogue between us serves peace and stability in the region,” he said.

Lavrov echoed these sentiments, commending the stable and trusting dialogue between Moscow and Rabat. “We maintain regular contacts through our foreign ministries, especially at the UN and at other international platforms, including the Russia–Africa and Russia–Arab League forums,” Lavrov noted. “The newly signed memorandum on the inter-ministerial working committee will help strengthen our strategic partnership even further.”

The eighth session of the Moroccan–Russian Joint Committee is scheduled for Friday under the co-chairmanship of Deputy Prime Minister Nikolai Patrushev. Bourita stated that the session will focus on expanding cooperation in economic, agricultural, fisheries, and academic sectors, and will include the signing of several new agreements.

Lavrov also praised the deepening cultural and educational ties between the two countries, revealing that over 4,200 Moroccan students are currently enrolled in Russian universities. “Interest in Russian education is growing, and we will continue to support and expand these opportunities,” he said. He further mentioned active exchanges between journalists from both nations, describing media cooperation as “an important channel for mutual understanding.”

The two sides also discussed regional and global issues, including the Sahel and Sahara regions, where Bourita reiterated Morocco’s firm stance on respecting the sovereignty and independent choices of African nations. “These countries should not be subjected to any guardianship. Morocco supports their efforts toward stability and development,” he stressed.

Highlighting shared views on global governance, Bourita said both Morocco and Russia advocate for a fair and effective multipolar world order, one that reflects the aspirations of developing countries, especially in Africa. “The international system cannot deliver the expected results without reform and participation from all,” he stated.

Lavrov confirmed that both countries will commemorate the 10th anniversary of their strategic partnership next year through high-level exchanges, parliamentary visits, and cultural events, including “Russian Culture Days” in Morocco.

“Our friends supported the idea of hosting Russian cultural events in Morocco, and we will continue our active cultural dialogue,” Lavrov said, adding that he looked forward to Bourita’s next visit as part of the upcoming anniversary celebrations.

Bourita concluded by describing his talks with Lavrov as “positive and fruitful,” emphasising that Morocco values Russia as a strategic partner in both bilateral and multilateral frameworks. “This partnership, anchored by the vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI and President Vladimir Putin, continues to grow stronger, paving the way for deeper cooperation and shared prosperity,” he affirmed.