The sixth Arab-Russian Cooperation Forum began Wednesday morning in Marrakech, chaired by Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, and with the presence of his Russian peer Sergey Lavrov, Assistant Secretary-General of the Arab League Hossam Zaki, and ministerial delegations of the participating Arab countries, except Algerian and Syrian ones.
Morocco was chosen to host this edition of the Forum during the last session held in April, 2019 in Moscow.
Nasser Bourita expressed optimism about Arab-Russian ties from African-Russian and Islamic World-Russian perspectives. He highlighted the positive role that Russia plays in the Arab region as a strategic partner on several levels, particularly security.
Bourita also pointed out the long and amicable ties which Morocco has held with the Russian nation over the past 200-plus years, and expressed readiness to strengthen this foundation.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov highlighted the enviable ties that his country has with the Arab world, and expressed Russian enthusiasm to collaborate more with the Arab League in many sectors, primarily security, economy, and culture. He then went on to thank Morocco for hosting the 6th edition of the event.
Secretary General of Arab League Ahmed Aboul Gheit stated that Arab Russian ties are strong thanks to the reciprocity, and common interests and positions of international relevance.
The three speakers condemned the situation in the Gaza strip and the violence committed toward civilians, especially toward women and children. They called for an immediate ceasefire, the protection of the civilians, and access to humanitarian aid.
It had been agreed upon beforehand to hold this session in the form of an expanded troika consisting of the Secretary-General of the Arab League, the three members of the Arab ministerial troika, and the executive body of the Arab Summit.
This edition of the summit examines issues of cooperation between Russia and the Arab world, in accordance with established practice.
The significance of this forum has been strengthened in recent years as a platform for exchanging views and coordinating positions on multiple issues at the regional and international levels, taking into account the common interests and priorities which unite the Arab and Russian sides in various political, economic, and commercial arenas.