The 6th Russian-Arab Cooperation Forum convened in Marrakech, received a commendation from Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, who expressed satisfaction with its outcomes.
In a joint press briefing alongside Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov and Arab League’s deputy Secretary General, Houssam Zaki, Minister Bourita highlighted the significance of this international gathering. He emphasized its role in facilitating dialogue, aligning stances on regional and global matters, and strengthening ties between Arab nations and Russia, as well as Morocco’s relations with both Russia and the Arab world.
Acknowledging the forum’s occurrence amid a challenging global landscape characterized by political, security, economic, and health crises, Bourita emphasized the crucial nature of engaging in dialogue with Russia. He underscored Russia’s influential role in various Arab-related issues, emphasizing the positive impact of constructive dialogue between Russia and the Arab world.
During the discussions, the Palestinian cause and the recent Israeli actions in Gaza were addressed, with a call for an immediate ceasefire and the urgent provision of aid to Gaza. Minister Bourita reiterated King Mohammed VI’s call, in his capacity as Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee, urging concerted efforts toward de-escalation, protection of civilians, humanitarian aid delivery, and a sustainable resolution for the Palestinian issue based on the internationally supported two-state solution.
Reflecting on Morocco’s stance advocating genuine peace in the region, Bourita emphasized the need for an independent Palestinian State with East Jerusalem as its capital and the reinforcement of the Palestinian Authority under President Mahmoud Abbas Abu Mazen’s leadership.
The minister also spotlighted the economic strides achieved in prior editions of the forum held in Moscow, stressing the upward trajectory in economic ties between Arab nations and Russia.
Recognizing Morocco as Russia’s third-largest economic and commercial partner in Africa, Bourita strongly committed to further enhancing the Russian-Arab partnership through revitalizing the Russian-Arab Economic Forum. He emphasized the importance of fostering closer cultural and human connections between Russia and Arab nations, acknowledging the mutual benefits of such collaboration.
