Moroccan Prime Minister Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri has arrived in Moscow to represent King Mohammed VI at the third Russia-Africa Summit. The summit, which kicked off on Wednesday, brings together leaders from across Africa and Russia to discuss issues of peace, security, and development. El Mansouri's delegation includes Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and Moroccan Ambassador to Russia Lotfi Bouchaara. This marks her first foreign trip since taking office, coming just days ahead of a crucial vote at the UN Security Council on the Sahara issue.
The Russia-Africa Summit is being held under the theme of peace, security, and development, with a focus on promoting economic cooperation between Russia and African nations. The summit is accompanied by an economic forum that will discuss trade, investment, energy, agriculture, and technology. El Mansouri and her delegation are expected to engage with Russian leaders and other African counterparts to explore opportunities for cooperation and partnership. The Moroccan Prime Minister also attended a reception hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin in honor of participating leaders.
Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita participated in a meeting of African foreign ministers, where he discussed key issues with his counterparts. He also held a bilateral meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, although the details of their discussion have not been disclosed. The two ministers had previously spoken by phone on October 23, at Morocco's initiative, during the UN Security Council's examination of a US resolution on the Sahara issue.
The timing of El Mansouri's visit to Moscow is significant, given the upcoming vote at the UN Security Council on a new resolution on the Sahara issue. Russia, as a permanent member of the Council, has the power to veto any resolution and has previously abstained on key votes. The mandate of the UN mission in the Sahara is set to expire on October 31, and a new resolution is expected to be put to a vote soon. An amended version of the resolution has been circulated by a group of countries, including the US, Russia, the UK, France, and Spain.
The Russia-Africa Summit is part of a broader effort by Russia to strengthen its diplomatic and economic ties with African nations. Moscow is hosting the third summit, having previously held the event in Sotchi in 2019 and Saint-Pétersbourg in 2023. The summit provides a platform for African leaders to engage with Russian counterparts and explore opportunities for cooperation on issues such as security, energy, and economic development.
The agenda for the summit includes key priorities for African nations, such as food security, energy, and financing for development. El Mansouri's delegation is expected to engage with Russian leaders on these issues, as well as explore opportunities for investment and trade. The summit also provides a chance for Morocco to strengthen its ties with Russia and explore new areas of cooperation.
As several African nations seek to diversify their partnerships and strengthen ties with new partners, Russia is seeking to consolidate its presence on the continent. The summit provides a platform for Russia to showcase its commitment to Africa and explore new opportunities for cooperation. For Morocco, the visit provides an opportunity to strengthen its ties with Russia and engage with other African leaders on key issues.
Key points
- Moroccan Prime Minister Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri leads a delegation to the third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow.
- The summit focuses on promoting economic cooperation between Russia and African nations, with a focus on peace, security, and development.
- El Mansouri's visit comes ahead of a crucial vote at the UN Security Council on the Sahara issue, with Russia holding significant influence as a permanent member.
