Speaking at a press briefing following the talks, Mr. Bourita said that Mr. Kuleba’s visit to Morocco is the first by a Ukrainian foreign minister since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1992. He added that this visit is part of bilateral relations “strong and historic, based on solid friendship and cooperation

“Our relations have always been marked by a strong human dimension through the presence of many Moroccan students in Ukraine,” said the minister, indicating that both sides have agreed to further deepen this relationship in the areas of economics, organized crime and security

The minister stressed that Morocco does not participate in any way whatsoever in the conflict in Ukraine, reaffirming “the importance of the Ukrainian government’s role in the conflict

Mr. Bourita also reaffirmed “the constant position of Morocco on the respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of countries”, noting that the Kingdom is committed, since the beginning of the crisis in Ukraine, to give priority to the respect for legality and international law and the non-use of force for the settlement of conflicts, as well as encouraging dialogue and respect for relevant UN resolutions

“Morocco is concerned by this war because, firstly, it undermines regional security and stability, and secondly due to its consequences and economic repercussions on many countries, including the Kingdom”, explained the Minister

“Morocco has good relations with Russia and Ukraine and promotes a peaceful solution to this conflict”, he added.

He mentioned the peace initiative proposed by Ukrainian President H.E. Mr. Volodymir Zelensky, as well as other contributions, while specifying that they should not deviate from the central objective: promoting a peaceful solution to this conflict

For his part, Mr. Kuleba said he was honored to be the first Ukrainian Foreign Minister to visit the Kingdom since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1992

Mr. Kuleba, who is stopping in the Kingdom as part of an African tour, said he made the deliberate choice to visit Morocco first, “given the good relations” between the two countries

He said he hoped, in this regard, ‘’to pave the way for other visits of government institutions, tourists, students and businessmen from both countries

This visit, which comes in a particular context, reaffirms the excellence of bilateral relations, which have always been based on friendship, mutual respect and respect for the strategic interests of each of the two countries, stressed the Ukrainian diplomat

“We covered a wide range of bilateral and regional issues, including Africa,” he reported, noting that Kyiv is  aware of the potential of Morocco as a gateway to the African continent

Mr. Kuleba also tackled to the issue of Moroccan students in Ukraine, saying that the Ukrainian government “is doing its utmost to resolve all outstanding issues to allow these students to resume their studies

Similarly, the Ukrainian minister announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding on cooperation between the diplomatic academies of Ukraine and the Kingdom

Furthermore, the Ukrainian minister expressed Ukraine’s support for the autonomy plan, presented by Morocco in 2007, as a serious and credible basis for the successful settlement of the Sahara issue

Mr. Kuleba also said that Ukraine and Morocco both know the value of sovereignty and territorial integrity, adding that Ukraine supports the efforts of the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for the Sahara, Mr. Staffan de Mistura, to find a realistic, sustainable and mutually acceptable political solution, in accordance with the resolutions of the UN Security Council

Mr. Kuleba concluded that the resolution of the Sahara issue is essential for regional security and peace