Rabat and Moscow, friendly ties driven by spirit of dialogue on issues of shared interest, FM

The minister, who was talking at a joint press conference with Russian peer Sreguei Lavrov, said that the Moroccan-Russian ties have witnessed recently a positive revolution since Morocco have become the top trade partner of Russia in Africa and in the Arab world, adding that the two countries are driven by the same will to further their ties.

Mezouar met with Lavrov to whom he handed a message from HM King Mohammed VI to Russian president Vladimir Putin which is part of the relations of mutual respect between the two leaders and confirms the common will to bolster bilateral ties and deepen partnership and political consultations.

The strategic partnership agreement between the two parties is a real road map for the exceptional relations between Morocco and Russia, said Mezouar, who hoped that these bonds would get stronger at all levels mainly concerning tourism and trade exchanges.

He added that Morocco is an open gateway to Africa where it ranks second in terms of investment.

For his part, the Russian foreign minister said his talks with Mezouar focused on economic and political issues, noting that Morocco is a strategic partner for Russia. The Moroccan-Russian commercial relations will witness without doubt a positive development boosted by the will which drives Morocco and Russia to further strengthen them, he noted.

He said the Russian-Moroccan Joint Committee will be held in September in Rabat, adding that Russia and Morocco agree on the need to strengthen international efforts and to coordinate actions to fight terrorism and extremism in Africa, the Middle East and North Africa.