Lavrov department receives Moroccan ambassador, as Russia eyes role in Sahara conflict

Lavrov department receives Moroccan ambassador, as Russia eyes role in Sahara conflict
Sunday 17 March 2024 - 09:21

Russian Special Representative for the Middle East and Africa and Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov met with the Moroccan Ambassador to Moscow, Lotfi Bouchaara, on Friday.

The talks focused on “the development of traditionally friendly Russian-Moroccan relations, including maintaining an active political dialogue on the issues of resolving ongoing crises in the Middle East and North Africa based on key principles of international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

In March 11, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Western Sahara, Staffan de Mistura, in Moscow.

The two sides discussed “the state and prospects of the settlement process” for the Sahara conflict.

Russia is trying to revive the political process in the Sahara, which has been stalled since March 2019, ‘taking into account De Mistura’s recent contacts with all the parties involved” and “the crucial role of the UN peacekeeping mission (MINURSO) in maintaining stability,” the Russian foreign ministry said.

While this engagement may seem surprising considering Russia’s previous neutrality, its permanent seat on the Security Council grants it significant influence.

 Russia has maintained respect for Morocco, excluding the Polisario from Russia-Africa summits and reassuring Morocco about joint military exercises with Algeria.

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