Morocco and Russia strengthen partnership amid evolving diplomatic landscape

Friday 17 October 2025 - 07:00

By: Dakir Madiha

Morocco and Russia strengthen partnership amid evolving diplomatic landscape

Morocco and Russia reaffirmed their long-standing partnership during a high-level meeting in Moscow, as Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita held extensive talks with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov. The discussions reflected a renewed sense of understanding and strategic alignment between the two nations.

Bourita conveyed warm greetings from His Majesty King Mohammed VI to President Vladimir Putin, emphasizing the “special respect and appreciation” the Moroccan monarch holds for the Russian leader. He highlighted the depth of trust shaping relations between Rabat and Moscow, underscoring that the partnership continues to expand across political, economic, scientific, and cultural domains.

A partnership built on respect and strategic cooperation

The Moroccan Foreign Minister noted that ties between the two countries are experiencing “continuous development,” grounded in the 2016 Strategic Partnership Agreement. This framework, he explained, has fostered “balanced and productive cooperation” in multiple sectors. Morocco regards Russia as a reliable partner and an influential player in global affairs, with the relationship founded on mutual respect and sustained dialogue on key international issues.

Lavrov reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, stating, “We have confirmed our determination to continue working together to enhance our traditionally friendly, trusting relations and strategic partnership.” Both ministers reviewed the bilateral agenda and discussed trade, investment, and economic collaboration. Lavrov stressed that both sides see significant untapped potential for growth in these areas.

Institutionalizing cooperation through new frameworks

Following the talks, the two foreign ministers signed a memorandum establishing a Russian-Moroccan interdepartmental working committee to further deepen strategic cooperation. The initiative marks a concrete step toward institutionalizing dialogue and ensuring the continuity of joint projects.

Lavrov noted that the current meeting reflects the comprehensive nature of Morocco-Russia relations, rooted in the 2002 Declaration on Strategic Partnership following HM King Mohammed VI’s first visit to Moscow, and the 2016 Statement on Deepening the Strategic Partnership signed during his second visit. President Putin’s 2006 visit to Morocco further consolidated the diplomatic framework.

Bourita also announced an upcoming meeting with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev to discuss economic cooperation. The eighth session of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, and Technical Cooperation is expected to focus on expanding collaboration in trade, education, and humanitarian issues.

A shift in Russia’s stance on Sahara

The visit comes amid signs of a nuanced shift in Russia’s traditionally “neutral” position on the Sahara issue. Moscow appears to be adopting a more balanced tone, increasingly receptive to Morocco’s perspective. This change coincides with Russia’s presidency of the UN Security Council and the upcoming vote to renew the MINURSO mandate.

On October 13, Lavrov stated that “Russia is prepared to support a resolution to the Sahara conflict that satisfies all parties,” suggesting a willingness to move beyond the long-standing focus on “self-determination” and the obsolete referendum model. The statement signals a gradual realignment in Moscow’s approach, emphasizing pragmatic diplomacy and regional stability.

Bourita and Lavrov had previously discussed these matters during a phone conversation on September 9 and a meeting on September 24 in New York, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. The continuity of their dialogue underscores the evolving depth of Moroccan-Russian relations in a shifting global context.