Russia-Morocco Talks Address Sahara Dispute Amid Growing Trade Ties

For this second meeting of the year, the strengthening of trade relations between Russia, the main exporter of wheat and coal to Morocco, and the kingdom, a supplier of Russia in fruits and vegetables, was at the heart of the exchanges between the two ministers. Morocco is now the second Arab trade partner of Russia and the third Russian trade partner in Africa.

On this occasion, the sovereignty of the Moroccan Sahara was not overlooked by the two officials who also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral political dialogue, expanding humanitarian ties and cooperating in the fight against Covid.

Russia, a long-standing ally of Algeria, had condemned the decision of the United States concerning the Moroccan sovereignty of the Sahara in December 2020. For Bogdanov, this decision represents a "violation of international law", not respecting the resolutions of the UN Security Council.

On February 17, 2021, Ambassador Bouchraara had spoken with Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov for an "interesting exchange of views" on Palestine, in order to resume peace negotiations with Israel.