Morocco and Russia have engaged in discussions on bilateral ties and the Western Sahara dispute. The talks took place on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York. Morocco's Foreign Affairs Minister Nasser Bourita met with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on September 25. The meeting focused on strengthening traditionally friendly Russian-Moroccan relations.
The Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry stated that the discussions covered priority issues related to further strengthening bilateral relations. The two countries have a Declaration on Enhanced Strategic Partnership, signed in 2016, which has facilitated broad-based cooperation. The ministry emphasized that both parties are committed to maintaining effective foreign policy coordination on various issues, including the Western Sahara dispute.
Russia maintains a complex position on the Western Sahara issue, claiming neutrality while also abstaining from voting on MINURSO resolutions at the UN Security Council. This approach has allowed Russia to balance its relationships with Morocco and Algeria, its strongest ally in the region. Russia has also pushed for draft amendments to appease Algeria's regime.
Morocco's position on Western Sahara has garnered support from over 130 countries in the international community. The Autonomy Plan proposed by Morocco is viewed as the only or most realistic and feasible political solution to end the dispute. The plan has been endorsed by the US, with senior advisor Massad Boulos emphasizing the importance of Resolution 2797, which calls for negotiations based on Morocco's Autonomy Plan.
Despite the momentum secured in Morocco's Sahara position, Algeria's regime continues to refuse its responsibility in the dispute. Algeria-backed Polisario has been obstructing the UN-led political process over Western Sahara. The UN Security Council is set to meet at the end of October to vote on a new resolution, with Washington pushing for efforts aimed at ending the dispute.
Russia has expressed willingness to support the autonomy initiative, provided it is approved by all parties to the dispute. In October 2025, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that the Autonomy Plan could be a successful solution if it has the agreement of the parties concerned and is supervised by the UN.
The international community continues to work towards a resolution to the Western Sahara dispute. The UN-led political process aims to find a feasible solution, with Morocco's Autonomy Plan being a key component. The discussions between Morocco and Russia demonstrate the ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral ties and address regional issues.
Key points
- Morocco and Russia have discussed bilateral ties and efforts to resolve the Western Sahara dispute during a meeting between Foreign Affairs Minister Nasser Bourita and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov.
- Russia maintains a complex position on the Western Sahara issue, claiming neutrality while also abstaining from voting on MINURSO resolutions at the UN Security Council.
- Morocco's Autonomy Plan has garnered support from over 130 countries in the international community and is viewed as the only or most realistic and feasible political solution to end the dispute.
