Moroccan, Russian foreign ministers discuss bilateral relations

RABAT, Morocco (AA) – Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita discussed bilateral relations with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on Tuesday, according to the country’s foreign ministry.

A ministry statement said talks between the two chief diplomats dwelt on “development of bilateral ties within the framework of mutual respect, constructive dialogue and the promotion of sectoral cooperation."

The discussions also covered regional and international issues, the statement said.

This came in a phone call the Moroccan minister received from the top Russian diplomat.

Earlier Tuesday, Minister of Economy and Finance Nadia Fettah Alaoui denied reports about banning Russian oil imports.

Last week, members of the Social Union Party in parliament said the Moroccan government had suspended oil imports from Russia following the imposition of Western sanctions against Moscow.

“Russian gas imports rose to 13% in the period from early January to February 27,” Alaoui said.

* Writing by Ahmed Asmar