Russian President and Moroccan King Sign Declaration on Strategic Partnership - 16 October, 2002

Russian President Vladimir Putin and King Mohammed VI of Morocco have signed a declaration on strategic partnership between the two countries. The President's press office revealed that the document expresses both countries' commitment 'to actively work towards a comprehensive, just and lasting peace settlement in the Middle East.' In particular, the two countries intend to work together to help turn the Middle East into a zone free of weapons of mass destruction. The declaration also stresses that 'the strategic partnership between Russia and Morocco is not directed against any other state or group of states and is not aimed at creating a military-political union.' The document also envisages that both countries will promote 'the process of disarmament at both international and regional levels, in particular by strengthening procedures to prevent the spread of weapons of mass destruction and related technology.'

The leaders of the two countries also issued a condemnation of terrorism in all its manifestations and declared their intention to fight it by political, diplomatic, economic, social and financial means.

According to President Putin, 'Russia and Morocco have a very strong tradition of friendship and cooperation.' He also remarked that he was glad to have the opportunity to discuss in person all the directions that this cooperation was taking in the economic and social spheres, and in the international arena.