Morocco has called for the development of Arab-Russian cooperation from its traditional pattern of political deliberation to building a strategic dialogue to counter common challenges.
In his opening address made Wednesday in Marrakesh at the 6th Arab-Russian Forum, Moroccan foreign minister Nasser Bourita called for the setting up an “economic and cultural forum” like the Russian-African Cooperation Forum in a bid to move beyond the logic of diplomatic dialogue towards innovative and tangible models of cooperation.
He cited in this regard the “Russian-Islamic” Forum and the “Russian-African Cooperation Forum”, which set the example in regional partnerships.
Mr. Bourita stressed the need for a collective reflection to draw up a roadmap for a successful and effective Arab-Russian partnership, turning this forum into Arab-Russian strategic dialogue, which will be a real platform for coordination and constructive partnership, serving the interests of all stakeholders.
“There is no doubt that Arab-Russian cooperation has seen tangible development since the foundations of the partnership between the two parties were laid in 2009”, underlined Morocco’s top diplomat.
“Over the years, up to today’s meeting, our forum has reached a stage of maturity, nurtured by a consensus on its importance and effectiveness as a framework for dialogue and cooperation, commensurate with aspirations and expectations”, said Mr. Bourita.
The Marrakesh meeting is an appropriate opportunity to assess the progress of Arab-Russian cooperation, evaluate its strengths, remedy its shortcomings, enrich its content and modernize its working methods, added the minister.
Due to Russia’s place in the international community, its active regional role, its close relations with the Arab world and its in-depth knowledge of its reality, “We see Russia as a partner” capable of playing a constructive role in resolving regional and global issues, said Morocco’s top diplomat.
He deplored the continuing Israeli bombing of Gaza Strip, saying that King Mohammed VI, Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee, has called for collective action to reduce escalation and establish a controllable ceasefire, ensure the protection of civilians and allow humanitarian aid to be delivered smoothly and in sufficient quantity.
After stressing the need for a two-state solution to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Mr. Bourita voiced hope that the situation would stabilize in all regions of the Arab world through dialogue and peaceful initiatives.
King Mohammed VI has repeatedly said that there is no alternative to a genuine peace in the region that guarantees Palestinians their legitimate rights within the framework of the two-state solution and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Mr. Bourita also cited the Libyan crisis, expressing hope to see the political process be completed as quickly as possible by the Libyans themselves, by organizing electoral elections far from external influences and interference.
Regarding Moroccan-Russian relations, the minister said Rabat sees this Forum as an extension of the historic relations existing between the two countries, affirming that these relations are based on dialogue, cooperation and mutual respect.
Following the two official visits paid by King Mohammed VI to Russia in 2002 and 2016, the Moroccan-Russian relations gained momentum, said Mr. Bourita, noting that Morocco is Russia’s third trading partner in the African Continent.