The Arab-Russia Cooperation Forum wrapped up its sixth edition on Wednesday in Marrakech with the adoption of a joint declaration crowning a stronger partnership in the counter-terrorism fight, sustainable development, and education.
The Forum welcomed Morocco’s hosting of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (GCTF), recognizing the Kingdom’s role and efforts in the fight against terrorism as evidenced by its GCTF chairmanship between 2021-2023.
The participants condemned terrorist acts in all forms and manifestations, reaffirming that all such actions are considered criminal and unjustifiable regardless of their motivations, and against whom they are committed.
Arab and Russian Foreign Ministers adopted the Joint Action Plan (2024-2026)–which calls on the two parties to carry out the actions outlined in the plan–while directing the Joint High Officials Committee to publicize periodic reports to monitor progress.
The Forum praised the increased economic cooperation between Arab League members and the Russian Federation, calling for spurring bilateral trade in industries, agriculture, food security, water resources, banking and finance, energy, renewables, peaceful use of nuclear energy, transportation, tourism, communications, and intellectual property rights.
The Arab-Russian trade grew significantly after the signing of the Forum MoU in 2009. The value of this trade more than doubled between 2009-2022, jumping from 10 billion dollars to 22 billion USD during that period of time.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov advocated for a “common position” to address the Middle East’s conflicts and to achieve sustainable development.
The joint declaration condemned the situation in the Gaza strip and the violence committed toward civilians–especially toward women and children–and called for an immediate ceasefire, the protection of civilians, and the unobstructed flow of humanitarian aid.
Arab and Russian Foreign Ministers praised King Mohammed VI’s role in supporting the struggle of Jerusalemites through tangible projects carried out by Bayt Mal Al-Quds Agency, the operational arm of the Al-Quds Committee.
They also lauded Morocco’s role in the Libyan issue settlement, reaffirming the importance of the Skhirat Agreement in resolving the Libyan crisis, as well as commitment to the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the State of Libya, thereby rejecting foreign intervention.
The Joint Declaration welcomed the choice of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to host the 2034 Football World Cup.
Speaking at a joint press briefing with Morocco’s Foreign Minister Bourita, Russian peer Lavrov noted that bilateral talks with Bourita were “very interesting,” as emphasis was placed on the implementation of the agreements concluded during King Mohammed VI’s two meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2002 and 2016, respectively, in Russia.
Lavrov further stated that both parties addressed the framework to implement their bilateral collaboration in investment, trade, economy, energy, IT, nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, fisheries, agriculture, culture, and education.
The Russian diplomat said that the two parties agreed to hold the next joint intergovernmental commission for economic, scientific, and technological cooperation at some point early in 2024.