Moscow, October 29, 2026 – The Europe Today: Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita held talks with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, on Wednesday on the sidelines of a meeting of African foreign ministers in Moscow, ahead of an anticipated United Nations Security Council vote on Western Sahara.
According to Morocco World News, the meeting took place during preparations for the third Russia-Africa Summit, bringing together Russia and African countries that are members of the United Nations. The ministerial meeting was chaired by Lavrov, Russia’s foreign minister.
Bourita’s bilateral meeting with Lavrov formed part of ongoing diplomatic engagement between Rabat and Moscow aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and maintaining coordination on regional and international issues.
The talks came at a significant moment for Morocco’s diplomacy, as the UN Security Council prepared to vote on a new resolution concerning Western Sahara and the future mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), whose current mandate was due to expire on October 31.
The United States has circulated a draft resolution proposing changes to the UN-led political process, including renewed emphasis on Morocco’s autonomy plan as a basis for negotiations. The revised draft also addresses the future structure and mandate of the UN mission.
Russia’s position is closely watched because it is one of the five permanent members of the Security Council and holds veto power. Moscow abstained from the vote on Security Council Resolution 2797 in October 2025, which extended MINURSO’s mandate for another year and supported negotiations based on Morocco’s autonomy proposal.
The latest meeting follows previous diplomatic contacts between the two countries. In September, Bourita and Lavrov discussed bilateral relations and coordination on regional and international issues, including efforts to address the Western Sahara dispute. Both countries have also sought to advance cooperation under the Declaration on Enhanced Strategic Partnership signed in 2016.
The third Russia-Africa Summit, scheduled for October 28–29 in Moscow, provides a platform for discussions on political cooperation, trade, investment, energy, security and development between Russia and African countries.
Morocco’s participation reflects its continued engagement with international partners as diplomatic efforts surrounding Western Sahara enter a crucial phase.
