Russia highly estimates relations with Morocco - Russian president's

RABAT, September 19 (Itar-Tass) -- Russia highly estimates its
relations with Morocco, Russian president's African envoy said here on
Sunday at a joint news conference with Morocco's Minister of Foreign
Affairs and Cooperation Taieb Fassi-Fihri.
According to Margelov, he has handed over to the Moroccan foreign
minister a written address of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev to King of
Morocco Mohammed VI.
He also said that during his negotiations with Taieb Fassi-Fihri "much
was said about the recent development in the Arab world, in North Africa."
"We keep a close eye on the development of the situation in Tunisia,
Egypt, Syria and other countries of the region," Margelov said.
He also stressed that "Russia hails the positive role Morocco is
playing on the international arena, including in Africa and in the Arab
region."
The Moroccan minister noted that relations between his country and
Russia "have a special, friendly character." He said a political dialogue
between the two countries was developing in a dynamic pace and recalled
that back in 2002, during a Russian visit by King Mohammed VI, Morocco and
Russia signed a declaration of strategic partnership. "The countries are
cooperating in a range of areas, including in power engineering,
technologies, tourism, and investments," he said.
Morocco is the final destination of Margelov's African tour. He has
already visited Niger, Mali, and Mauritania.
On Monday, the Russian envoy is expected to meet with Morocco's Prime
Minister Abbas El Fassi to discuss various aspects of bilateral relations,
and prospects for further economic cooperation.