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The Moroccan-Russian strategic partnership has experienced steady and successful evolution over the years and continues to gain momentum toward broader perspectives, said the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Morocco, Vladimir Baibakov.
This partnership is founded on mutual respect and non-interference in internal affairs, while taking into account cultural and national values and the priority interests of each party, Baibakov stated in an interview with MAP on the 10th anniversary of the signing of the “Deepened Strategic Partnership” between both countries.
In this regard, he recalled that HM King Mohammed VI and President Vladimir Putin signed a strategic partnership between the two countries in 2002, during the Sovereign’s first visit to Moscow. During a second visit to the Russian capital on March 15, 2016, the two heads of state signed a declaration on the development of the deepened strategic partnership, in addition to several bilateral agreements, he added.
The Ambassador noted that the Moroccan-Russian political dialogue spans various fields, as evidenced by the participation of high-level Moroccan delegations in the Russia-Africa Summits (Sochi 2019 and Saint Petersburg 2023).
Baibakov pointed out that Morocco remains one of Russia’s leading trade and economic partners in Africa. He highlighted that the 8th meeting of the Russian-Moroccan Intergovernmental Joint Commission for Economic, Scientific, and Technical Cooperation, held last October in Moscow, was marked by the signing of a new agreement in the field of maritime fisheries.
Parliamentary, sporting, and cultural relations, as well as cooperation in education, are also seeing notable progress. Baibakov welcomed the continuous increase in tourist numbers between the two countries, facilitated by additional direct flights launched by Royal Air Morocco.
Additionally, he shed light on counter-terrorism and the promotion of security and stability in the region, including the Sahelo-Saharan zone, as well as the support for the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) regional office based in Rabat.
The Russian diplomat stated that strengthening the tripartite partnership between Russia, Morocco, and Africa contributes to consolidating bilateral relations and promotes the development of the African continent. These meetings serve as effective platforms for South-South political dialogue based on equality and mutual benefit, he pointed out.
Such cooperation serves Russia’s interests, as it seeks to support Africa’s development, he noted, recalling that Morocco is one of the leading investors on the continent.
Referring to the three initiatives launched by HM King Mohammed VI in favor of Africa and the Sahel countries, the Russian diplomat considered that their implementation would contribute to the continent’s economic development and to a faster resolution of regional issues.
The Atlantic Royal Initiative focuses on complementarity in transport, infrastructure, and the strengthening of intra-African trade. It also aims to create an institutional platform for Atlantic coastal countries in order to enhance security and stability and promote a prosperous economy, he stressed.
As for the Royal Initiative to enable Atlantic Ocean access to the Sahel countries, it seeks to make Morocco’s infrastructure (highways, railways, etc.) available to these countries, thereby creating new opportunities in transport and logistics, he added.
The Africa-Atlantic gas pipeline project will provide accessible and sustainable energy resources, he said, considering it a key factor for regional complementarity and economic development.
Concerning ways to strengthen the deep strategic partnership between Morocco and Russia ten years after its signing, the diplomat stated that this partnership “offers untapped opportunities and broad promising prospects, thanks to the strategic nature of bilateral relations, the deep bonds of friendship between the peoples of both countries, and the dynamism of our national economies.”
Both countries are determined to continue consolidating multidimensional cooperation, he affirmed, noting that Russian companies are interested in local investment projects in agriculture, water management, industry, pharmaceuticals, construction, and tourism, in addition to major digital transformation strategies.
“It is essential, under the current circumstances, to establish a reliable and modern logistical and financial infrastructure,” he underlined, noting that priority areas in this regard were discussed during the joint commission meeting held in Moscow.
Baibakov also highlighted the promising prospects for further developing this cooperation, particularly in the technical field, specifying that the Sovereign’s visits to Moscow in 2002 and 2016 were marked by the signing of several bilateral agreements that are now being successfully implemented.
He also underscored the need to explore new areas of cooperation, noting that sport- especially football, at a time when Morocco is preparing to host the FIFA World Cup 2030 alongside Spain and Portugal, is among the sectors that could help strengthen the strategic partnership between Rabat and Moscow.
Source: map
