In a recent comprehensive interview with Moroccan media, Igor Alexeyevich Belyaev, the Russian Ambassador to Morocco, emphasized the steady progression of relations between Rabat and Moscow, which are founded on mutual respect, trust, and shared interests. Since his appointment by President Vladimir Putin on May 19, the ambassador has reiterated that both nations are bound by various principles, including the preservation of national sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, and adherence to international law. These principles have become increasingly pressing in today's multipolar world, which is striving for greater fairness among nations.
Addressing the sensitive issue of Western Sahara, Belyaev reaffirmed Russia's position in support of a peaceful political resolution within the framework established by the United Nations. He highlighted the crucial role of the Security Council in this matter, stressing that progress in negotiations depends on creating a constructive environment characterized by mutual respect and willingness to make concessions. Regarding Russian-Maghreb relations, he noted that Russia aims to build friendships with all countries in the Maghreb region without favoring one at the expense of another. The Russian Federation supports any international efforts to defuse tensions in the area, with the objective of maintaining North Africa as a region of peace, cooperation, and development.
Discussing the Ukrainian crisis, Belyaev commended Morocco's neutral and balanced stance. He also pointed out that the Russian embassy in Morocco is actively engaged in ongoing communication to find solutions to the challenges faced by Moroccan students in Russian universities and institutes. This includes addressing issues related to banking transfers caused by Western sanctions on Moscow and the exclusion of Russia from the SWIFT financial system, through alternative solutions that minimize the impact of external restrictions on students.
Current State of Russian-Moroccan Relations
When asked to evaluate the current state of Russian-Moroccan relations, particularly after King Mohammed VI's visit to Moscow in 2016, Belyaev stated that these relations are currently at a high level and continue to develop steadily. The historical visit in March 2016 laid a solid foundation for enhancing ties, during which the two countries adopted a joint declaration on a deep strategic partnership. Over the past years, this document has retained its significance, and the ongoing work within its framework has practical importance. Despite significant changes in the international landscape and unprecedented geopolitical disruptions, the Russian Federation and Morocco maintain active multi-level political dialogue and expand mutually beneficial cooperation across various fields.
Both countries adopt a similar approach to international affairs, which is based on respect for sovereignty, non-interference in domestic matters, and adherence to international law, with the United Nations playing a central role. These principles are particularly significant today as a more just multipolar world system emerges. Belyaev expressed high appreciation for Morocco's pragmatic and balanced approach towards developing relations with Russia, particularly in light of the illegal sanctions imposed by Western nations on Moscow. The trade and economic cooperation between the two nations has shown positive dynamics; Russia remains a reliable supplier of grain to the Moroccan market, while Morocco traditionally holds an important position among Russian partners in Africa and the Arab world as one of the largest exporters of agricultural products, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, and other fruits and vegetables.
However, Belyaev noted that the potential for collaboration is much greater than the results achieved so far. There is keen interest in developing cooperation in sectors such as energy, industry, transport, digital economy, investment, high technologies, fisheries, tourism, education, science, and culture. Special attention is also paid to humanitarian aspects, with more Russian citizens discovering Morocco and the annual increase in the number of Moroccan students studying in Russian universities, which is expected to exceed 4,200 by the end of 2025. This foundation fosters friendship between the two peoples and creates promising prospects for the future.
He expressed confidence that the Russian-Moroccan strategic partnership holds immense potential for further development, rooted in a long history of respectful relations. Both nations are committed to continuously enhancing these ties for the benefit of their peoples, as demonstrated by their ancestors since the 18th century, when Empress Catherine II and Sultan Sidi Mohammed ben Abdallah established communication and agreed on cooperation on specific issues.
Morocco's Role in Russia's African Strategy
Belyaev highlighted that Russia views Africa as one of the most vital centers in the emerging multipolar world. The Russian Federation firmly supports the enhancement of cooperation with African nations based on equality, mutual respect, and respect for national interests, while rejecting any forms of neocolonial practices. Morocco, in particular, occupies a special place within this Russian strategy, being a leading country on the African continent with a stable economy, modern infrastructure, significant industrial and financial potential, and considerable influence in the African Union, the Arab League, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. Belyaev noted Morocco's active role in fostering cooperation with countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, positioning it as a vital link between Africa, Europe, America, and the Middle East.
Russia sees Morocco as a promising partner not only on a bilateral level but also in the broader context of Russia's cooperation with the African continent. Both nations share a commitment to enhancing international stability, respecting the principle of equality in sovereignty among states, and developing mutually beneficial economic relations. Areas of particular interest include food security, energy, agriculture, transport, digital technologies, education, training, health, and scientific research. In recent years, the Russian Federation has significantly intensified dialogue with African countries, with the two Russia-Africa summits providing a new qualitative framework for this interaction. Preparations are underway for the next high-level meeting, and there is confidence that the ongoing strengthening of Russian-African partnerships will serve the interests of both Russia and the African nations.
Moreover, Morocco undoubtedly plays a crucial role in this process. Russia is interested in deepening cooperation with Morocco both bilaterally and within the framework of collaborative multilateral efforts aimed at establishing fairer, more stable, and democratic international relations based on genuine equality among nations and respect for cultural and civilizational diversity.
Looking forward, the upcoming third Russia-Africa summit in Moscow in October next year is anticipated to be an extremely significant event in the context of joint efforts to strengthen the comprehensive partnership between the Russian Federation and African countries. It is expected to build on the previous two summits and will allow for the identification of new directions for practical cooperation, considering the rapid transformations in the global landscape. Belyaev emphasized the importance of this summit in providing additional impetus for implementing agreements already reached in trade, economic, investment, industrial, transport, scientific, technological, and humanitarian areas, while also addressing critical issues such as food and energy security, digital transformation, national workforce training, healthcare, and expanding the scope of currency settlements in national currencies.
Russia serves as a reliable partner for many African nations regarding food security. Despite the external constraints imposed by the West, Russia continues to meet its commitments concerning the supply of grains, fertilizers, and other agricultural products. The ambassador expressed hope that the upcoming summit will not only serve as a platform for exchanging views on pressing international issues but also as a forum for making tangible, practical decisions aimed at enhancing the welfare of both the people of the Russian Federation and African countries.
As reported by hespress.com.
