Rabat: In a press conference held following a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Morocco’s Foreign Minister highlighted the deep and fruitful discussions that underscored the strong strategic partnership between Morocco and Russia. This alignment is in accordance with the vision of His Majesty the King and reflects the mutual respect shared between the Moroccan Sovereign and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, the upcoming year marks the 10th anniversary of the Deepened Strategic Partnership between the two nations, a milestone that will be celebrated with a review of the achievements accomplished since its inception. The partnership was solidified during HM the King’s visit to Russia, where 16 agreements were signed and subsequently enacted.
On the economic front, developments have been significant, particularly in the tourism sector. The national airline, Royal Air Maroc, has resumed its Casablanca-Moscow route with seven flights per week, and a new direct line to Saint Petersburg is set to launch soon. These efforts aim to boost the influx of Russian tourists to Morocco.
Politically, the two countries continue to coordinate within regional and international forums, with a memorandum of understanding signed to enhance bilateral consultations. The recent 8th session of the Morocco-Russia Joint Commission provided an opportunity to review and develop economic ties, with a focus on sectors like agriculture, fisheries, and academic cooperation.
The Foreign Minister expressed a commitment to leveraging the year 2026 to further strengthen bilateral ties through ministerial visits and cultural exchanges. The Moroccan-Russian partnership, dating back to the 18th century, is supported by a comprehensive legal framework comprising 188 bilateral agreements.
The discussions also touched upon the Middle East situation, with both nations sharing similar views. The minister praised U.S. President Donald Trump’s efforts for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid delivery, expressing hope for a political resolution to the Palestinian issue, as envisioned by HM King Mohammed VI.
Africa remains a significant area of collaboration, with both Morocco and Russia playing influential roles on the continent. The dialogue included the situation in the Sahel, emphasizing respect for the sovereignty of its states and supporting their stability and development initiatives.
The Russia-Africa Forum was highlighted as a vital framework for development and security aspirations, with an upcoming ministerial meeting set to further these goals. In the realm of multilateralism, both nations advocate for a fair and efficient system that considers the interests of developing countries.
The meeting concluded on a positive note, with an invitation extended to Sergey Lavrov to visit Morocco as part of the celebrations for the 10th anniversary of the strategic partnership.