Russia Aspires to Strengthen Relations with Morocco in Oil, Gas, and Education
Russia has shown increasing interest in enhancing its relations with Morocco, reflecting a notable shift in its diplomatic focus in North Africa. This initiative aims to expand cooperation into strategic areas beyond traditional ties. A high-level delegation led by Vladimir Morozov, Vice President of the prestigious MGIMO University, visited Rabat last week, during which it held a series of institutional and academic meetings to lay the groundwork for an expanded bilateral partnership.
In an interview with “Moscow Times,” Morozov emphasized that Morocco is a friendly nation with direct flights connecting it to Russia. He noted that the relations between the two countries are actively developing, with the Russian embassy in Rabat playing a vital role in this context. He confirmed that the visit aimed to deepen educational ties and explore opportunities for developing the African labor market, praising Morocco’s strategic location and its proximity to Europe, as well as its ambition to enhance its presence on the continent.
Morozov highlighted that Moscow has chosen Morocco as a platform for engagement with Africa, as the visit program included meetings with diplomats from various African countries, reflecting Russia’s clear desire to build a multilateral network of relations starting from Rabat.
He also mentioned that the commercial aspect holds a central position in the relations between the two nations, explaining that Russian companies, including Yandex, are already entering the Moroccan market with diverse projects. He pointed out that the Russian trade mission in Morocco actively participates in economic events, supported by the embassy, particularly in vital sectors such as transportation, oil, and gas, which enhances the prospects for establishing strategic partnerships in the medium and long term.
