Morocco and Russia strengthen strategic partnership amid evolving global dynamics

Wednesday 10 September 2025 - 11:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Morocco and Russia strengthen strategic partnership amid evolving global dynamics

Morocco’s pragmatic and issue-driven relationship with Russia continues to deepen, rooted in the 2016 strategic partnership established during His Majesty King Mohammed VI’s visit to Moscow. This relationship has been reinforced through consistent high-level diplomatic engagements between the two nations.

Political dialogue and bilateral relations

On Tuesday, Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a telephonic discussion aimed at enhancing political dialogue and consolidating traditionally friendly ties. The ministers expressed satisfaction with the progress made in bilateral relations under the leadership of King Mohammed VI and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

They emphasized the need to build on the work accomplished since 2016 by preparing for upcoming events, including the eighth joint commission meeting. Discussions also addressed regional and international issues, with both parties agreeing to maintain constructive political dialogue based on mutual respect.

Pragmatic ties amid global tensions

Morocco’s approach to relations with Russia remains pragmatic, focusing on functional cooperation rather than ideological alignment. This position is particularly evident in Morocco’s balancing act regarding the Ukraine war. The kingdom abstained from the 2022 UN General Assembly vote but supported a 2023 resolution calling for Russia’s withdrawal.

Moscow, for its part, has kept communication channels open with Morocco while adopting a non-committal stance on the Sahara issue. Russian abstentions in Security Council votes on MINURSO renewals in 2023 and 2024 underscore this neutral approach.

Economic collaboration and trade growth

Economic ties between Morocco and Russia are steadily expanding, primarily driven by practical needs. Food security and agriculture have become central to their cooperation, with Morocco importing over 1.1 million tons of Russian wheat by mid-2025 to counter prolonged drought conditions. The kingdom has also extended wheat-import subsidies through the end of the year.

Maritime cooperation is another cornerstone of this relationship. The Morocco-Russia fisheries framework, first established in 1992, expired in late 2024, but both countries are working toward a new four-year agreement. Air travel has also resumed, with Royal Air Maroc reinstating direct flights between Casablanca and Moscow in 2023, bolstering tourism and business connectivity.

According to the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, trade between the two nations grew by 42% in 2021 alone. Morocco relies heavily on Russian imports of ammonia and fertilizer to sustain its agricultural sector, which accounts for 15% of GDP and employs nearly 45% of the workforce.

Navigating geopolitical complexities

Although Morocco maintains strong economic ties with Russia, its enduring security partnerships with the United States and Europe limit Moscow’s influence in the region. Analysts suggest that Rabat’s strategy is to “steer a middle course” amid rising Western pressure on Russia following the Ukraine conflict.

This nuanced diplomatic approach, combined with robust economic collaboration, underscores Morocco’s efforts to balance global alliances while advancing its national interests.