Rabat: The First Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mohamed Sabbari, engaged in discussions on Tuesday in Rabat with a delegation from the Russia-Morocco Parliamentary Friendship Group of the Russian Federation Council. The delegation was led by Alexander Dvoinykh, the Group’s Chairman and Chairman of the Committee on Agriculture, Food Policy and Environmental Management, who is on a working visit to Morocco.

According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, Sabbari commended the cooperative relations between the legislative institutions of the two nations. These relations underscore a mutual desire to reinforce strong ties of friendship and enhance parliamentary cooperation in the best interests of both countries, as stated in a press release from the House of Representatives.

Sabbari also emphasized the significant importance Morocco places on its relations with Russia, which are grounded on mutual respect, constructive dialogue, and the establishment of a multidimensional strategic partnership. He acknowledged the ongoing high-level political dialogue and the mutual commitment to broadening bilateral cooperation to new dimensions.

Addressing the issue of territorial integrity, Sabbari highlighted the significance of the autonomy initiative proposed by Morocco as the only serious and credible solution to the conflict over the Moroccan Sahara. He pointed out that UN Security Council Resolution 2797 supports the international momentum favoring the Moroccan proposal and confirms it as the sole basis for a definitive political resolution within the framework of Morocco’s full national sovereignty.

Dvoinykh, on his part, lauded the strong friendship between the two nations, recalling the historic visit of His Majesty King Mohammed VI to Russia in 2016. This visit resulted in the signing of the Deepened Strategic Partnership between the two countries, with Russia viewing Morocco as “a key and strategic partner on the African continent.”

Dvoinykh also expressed admiration for the development and progress achieved by Morocco under the Sovereign’s leadership. He stated that the Russian delegation’s visit aims to invigorate parliamentary cooperation, explore ways to strengthen economic and tourism partnerships, and investigate potential cooperation in fisheries, energy, and digital transformation.

Concerning joint parliamentary action, both parties highlighted the crucial role of legislative institutions in fostering bilateral relations and strengthening connections between the two peoples.

Sabbari pointed out that Friendship Groups serve as an effective platform for dialogue, consultation, and the exchange of expertise. He called for increased reciprocal visits and the enhancement of communication between the Standing Committees to share best practices in legislative and institutional action, as highlighted in the press release.

The Russian parliamentary delegation includes, in addition to the Group’s Chairman, the First Vice-Chairman of the Committee on Agriculture, Food Policy and Environmental Management, Igor Zubarev, and the First Vice-Chairman of the Committee on Constitutional Legislation and State Building, Artem Sheikin, along with several officials.