Morocco and Russia: A Dynamic Partnership
Vladimir Baibakov, the Russian Ambassador to Morocco, has emphasized the continuous evolution and success of the strategic partnership between Morocco and Russia, which is gaining momentum as it aims for broader prospects. This partnership is founded on mutual respect and non-interference in domestic affairs, while also considering the cultural and national values and priority interests of each party. This was highlighted during an interview with the MAP, marking the 10th anniversary of the signing of the "deepened strategic partnership" between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Russian Federation.
Baibakov recalled that the strategic partnership was initially signed in 2002 during King Mohammed VI's first visit to Moscow, in a momentous agreement with President Vladimir Putin. The partnership was further solidified during the King’s second visit to the Russian capital on March 15, 2016, where both leaders signed a declaration aimed at developing the strategic partnership, along with multiple bilateral agreements.
Expanding Cooperation Across Various Sectors
The political dialogue between Morocco and Russia spans several areas, as evidenced by the participation of high-level Moroccan delegations in the Russia-Africa summits held in Sochi in 2019 and St. Petersburg in 2023. Moreover, the sixth edition of the Arab-Russian Cooperation Forum took place in Marrakech in December 2023, reflecting the ongoing commitment to collaboration. Baibakov noted that Morocco remains one of Russia's key commercial and economic partners in Africa, with the eighth session of the intergovernmental mixed commission on economic, scientific, and technical cooperation taking place in Moscow last October, resulting in a new agreement in the maritime fishing sector.
Additionally, the ambassador highlighted the noteworthy development in parliamentary, sports, and cultural relations between Morocco and Russia, as well as cooperation in education, with a continuous rise in tourist exchanges facilitated by the additional direct flights launched by Royal Air Maroc. He also mentioned the collaboration in counter-terrorism efforts and the promotion of security and stability in the region, particularly in the Sahel-Saharan area, noting Russia's support for the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) based in Rabat.
Baibakov pointed out that the tripartite partnership between Russia, Morocco, and Africa contributes to strengthening bilateral relations, fostering continental development, and enhancing Africa's role in the international arena. The outcomes of agreements reached during the aforementioned summits serve as effective platforms for strengthening South-South political dialogue and cooperation based on principles of equality and mutual benefit.
He reiterated that such cooperation is in Russia's interest as it aims for the development of Africa, emphasizing that Morocco is one of the continent's leading investors. Discussing the initiatives launched by King Mohammed VI to benefit Africa and Sahel countries, Baibakov expressed confidence that their implementation will promote economic development across the continent and expedite resolutions to regional issues. The Royal Atlantic Initiative focuses on enhancing transportation, infrastructure, and intra-African trade, while also aiming to establish an institutional platform for Atlantic coastal countries to boost security, stability, and foster a prosperous economy.
As for the Royal Initiative promoting Sahel countries' access to the Atlantic Ocean, it intends to provide these nations with Morocco’s infrastructure, such as highways and railways, thereby creating new transportation and logistics opportunities. The Africa-Atlantic gas pipeline project is expected to deliver accessible and sustainable energy resources, serving as a crucial factor for regional complementarity and economic development.
In light of the past decade since the signing of the deepened strategic partnership, Baibakov highlighted the untapped opportunities and promising prospects that this partnership still offers. He reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to continue strengthening multidimensional cooperation, with Russian companies showing interest in local investment projects in agriculture, water management, industry, pharmaceuticals, construction, and tourism, in addition to significant digital transformation strategies. It is crucial, he noted, to establish a reliable and modern logistical and financial infrastructure, which was addressed during the joint commission meeting in Moscow.
Moreover, Baibakov underscored the promising outlook for developing this cooperation, particularly in technical fields, noting that the bilateral agreements signed during the Sovereign’s visits to Moscow in 2002 and 2016 are now being successfully implemented. He stressed the necessity of exploring new sectors for cooperation, citing sports, especially football, as a potential field to strengthen the strategic partnership, especially as Morocco prepares to host the 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal.
As reported by fr.allafrica.com.
