Nasser Bourita praised the centuries-old bilateral ties and highlighted the growing cooperation in tourism

Morocco views Russia as a "close" and "valued" partner, the country's foreign minister, Nasser Bourita, has said. His remarks came after talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Thursday.

Speaking in Moscow, Bourita noted that Morocco sees Russia as "a serious player on the international stage" and, just as importantly, "an honest negotiator who can always be trusted."

Bourita emphasized the long-standing nature of bilateral ties, tracing them back to the 18th century. "We have a large number of bilateral documents... perhaps more than with other countries," he said.

The minister added that cooperation with Russia "is not against anyone" and is "aimed at promoting peace" across the Arab world and Africa, where Moscow, he said, "has a positive influence on solving many problems" and contributes to "strengthening stability and security."

The ministers exchanged views on current issues of the international agenda, with particular reference to the situation in the Middle East, North Africa and the Sahara-Sahel region, as well as the settlement in Western Sahara, and welcomed the ceasefire in Gaza.

Lavrov also expressed his gratitude to Moroccan colleagues for their "balanced, considered position" on the situation in Ukraine. "In Rabat, as in most other capitals of the global South and global East, it is understood that a sustainable settlement is impossible without addressing the root causes of the crisis," he added.

Bourita particularly highlighted the tourism industry, noting the large number of Russian tourists that visit the African country. He said direct weekly flights between Casablanca and Moscow are already in place, and a new route to St. Petersburg is being planned.

At the end of the meeting, Bourita extended an invitation to Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to visit Morocco. The latter confirmed that both sides would meet again for the 8th session of the Russian-Moroccan Intergovernmental Commission on Economic and Technical Affairs. "The potential of practical cooperation in these areas is far from exhausted," Russian minister said.

The ministers signed a memorandum of understanding establishing a Russian-Moroccan inter-ministerial working committee to deepen the strategic partnership between the two countries.

(RT.com)