The Russian daily Pravda described the recent high-level meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita in Moscow as a “turning point,” declaring that “Lavrov and Bourita form a new axis: Russia and Morocco are redrawing Africa’s map.”
According to the newspaper, both ministers exchanged in-depth views on the evolving situation in North Africa and the broader Sahel-Sahara region, at a time when the African continent is undergoing rapid strategic transformations.
Pravda reported that the Russian Foreign Ministry’s official statement highlighted the “shared interest in strengthening relations in the sphere of global politics,” emphasizing that both countries are seeking to expand coordination on regional and international issues—particularly those related to stability in Africa and the Middle East.
Bourita’s visit to Moscow took place in his capacity as co-chair of the 8th session of the Moroccan-Russian Joint Commission for Trade, Economic, and Innovation Cooperation. Discussions reportedly centered on reinforcing joint coordination to address regional tensions and adapt to the fast-changing geopolitical landscape.
The paper added that the negotiations concluded with a renewed commitment to “joint efforts toward resolving conflicts through diplomatic means,” while underscoring respect for international norms and the central role of the United Nations in managing global crises.
Citing diplomatic sources, Pravda underlined that this growing rapprochement between Moscow and Rabat contributes to greater stability in politically fragile areas and opens new horizons for deepening the strategic partnership between the two nations—an understanding that both ministers reaffirmed during their talks.
In this context, Lavrov noted that Russian-Moroccan relations are founded on a solid basis of strategic cooperation, rooted in the agreements reached at the highest level between President Vladimir Putin and King Mohammed VI. He recalled both the Strategic Partnership Agreement signed in 2002 and the Advanced Strategic Partnership established in 2016.
Lavrov added that Bourita’s visit to Moscow “reflects the strength and depth of relations between Russia and Morocco,” taking place amid a politically and economically dynamic period marked by the holding of the 8th session of the Russian-Moroccan Joint Committee for Trade and Economic Cooperation, which addresses key topics of mutual interest.
The Russian top diplomat stressed that his country “attaches exceptional importance to today’s negotiations, particularly in light of the complex conditions and rising tensions across the Middle East and North Africa,” reiterating that Russia “remains ready to contribute to resolving regional crises through peaceful means.”
He further emphasized Moscow’s “great importance placed on foreign policy coordination with Morocco across various international platforms, including the United Nations,” highlighting that “joint action between our two countries requires advancing the bilateral agenda and strengthening cooperation within the framework of the Arab League.”
