Rabat – Morocco’s Foreign Minister, Nasser Bourita, and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov spoke by phone today to discuss the strong satisfaction with the quality of friendship and cooperation between Morocco and Russia.
Both foreign ministers expressed their countries’ willingness to continue building and deepening this important partnership.
The phone call comes as the two countries celebrate the 10th anniversary of their Deepened Strategic Partnership, which King Mohammed VI signed in March 2016 during his historic visit to Moscow.
Bourita and Lavrov also discussed current regional and international issues. They spoke about the value of continuous consultation and stronger coordination to support peace and stability in the world.
Their exchange shows Morocco and Russia are maintaining close diplomatic ties and working together on shared concerns.
Moscow and Rabat have had official relations for many decades, with their modern strategic partnership taking shape in 2016. This agreement created a broad cooperation framework covering political dialogue, economic ties, and cultural exchange.
Morocco’s ‘balanced’ diplomacy
Over the past year, the two countries have moved closer in several areas. Morocco and Russia have regularly exchanged high‑level visits and conversations, with officials expressing a shared commitment to strategic cooperation and mutual respect. Russian leaders have repeatedly called Morocco a reliable partner, and talks often cover regional stability and international issues.
In late 2025, Morocco and Russia signed a new maritime fisheries agreement for a period of four years. This deal allows Russian vessels to operate in Morocco’s Atlantic fishing zone under agreed conditions. A first session of the Joint Fisheries Commission recently took place in Rabat to begin implementing the pact. The cooperation also includes scientific research, marine resource management, and training scholarships for Moroccan students.
Morocco-Russia cooperation has expanded beyond traditional areas. Both sides held the 8th session of the Morocco‑Russia Joint Governmental Commission in 2025 and signed several structural agreements to widen their partnership.
Morocco has maintained what many call a “balanced” diplomatic stance on conflicts like the Ukraine war, which Russia has publicly appreciated.
A recent Afrobarometer survey shows many Moroccans favor neutrality in global affairs and are cautious about foreign influence, including Russia’s role in Africa. Most respondents want Morocco to stay neutral on issues like the Ukraine war.