Morocco and Russia have maintained traditionally strong bilateral relations since the 18th century, initiating mutual exchanges with goods between Sultan Mohammed Ben Abdallah and Empress Catherine II. This relationship has evolved through various phases, marked by diplomatic engagements, economic cooperation, and strategic realignments.
Historical Context
In 1897, the Russian Empire established a consulate in Tangier, underscoring early diplomatic interests. Arthur Cassini's participation in the Algeciras Conference in 1906 further solidified Russia's engagement with Morocco on the international stage.
Modern Relations
Diplomatic relations were formally established in 1960, paving the way for enhanced cooperation. Vladimir Putin's visit to Morocco in September 2006 aimed to strengthen economic and military ties between the two nations.
Morocco and Russia signed a new fisheries cooperation agreement in 2020, following the expiration of a previous agreement signed in 2016.
In 2019, the Moroccan and Russian governments agreed to invest in an oil refinery in Mohammedia, aiming for a refining capacity of 100,000 barrels per day, potentially reaching 200,000 barrels per day by utilizing the Nador Port facilities.
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During a visit by Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev in 2017, a memorandum of understanding on renewable energy was signed, involving the Ministry of Energy, the Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (MASEN), and the Russian Ministry of Energy.
In February 2012, Morocco and Russia signed a military cooperation agreement during Dmitry Medvedev's visit, which also included strengthening cooperation in this area.
Economic Cooperation
Regarding economic relations between Morocco and Russia, the volume of trade in the agricultural field had reached 2.9 billion DH during the period 2015-2019, representing 19% on average of overall trade between the two countries.
The volume of trade between the two countries at the end of 2021 increased by 42%, amounting to 1.6 billion dollars. Morocco has a trade deficit that amounted to 778.4 million dollars in 2021, experiencing a 10.8% increase over 2020, with their value reaching 435 million dollars.
Morocco exported to Russia food and agricultural raw materials (46.7%), mainly citrus fruits, valued at 1.3 billion DH between 2018 and 2020.
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The main Russian export goods to the Moroccan market include oil, ammonia, sulfur, nitrogen and potash fertilizers, lumber, and metal products.
Since 1992, a fishing agreement allows 10 Russian vessels to operate in Moroccan waters beyond 15 nautical miles, providing employment for 16 sailors per vessel.
An agreement for the construction of a petrochemical complex worth nearly 2 billion euros in Morocco was signed in Sochi during the Russia-Africa summit.
The Russian laboratory Biocad signed an agreement with Sothema Laboratories in 2016 to produce anticancer medicines in Morocco, building on previous contracts for medicines against hepatitis C.
The volume of Russia’s exports to Morocco doubled in the first half of 2022, exceeding 950 million dollars, bringing bilateral trade to almost 1.6 billion dollars.
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In August, Rosselkhoznadzor and the National Directorate of Food Safety of Morocco agreed on veterinary certificates for exporting various raw materials and products from Russia to Morocco.
Two Russian stores have opened in Morocco in recent years, one in Tangier in July 2021 and another in Rabat, reflecting growing economic ties.
Table: Trade Turnover Between Morocco and Russia
| Period | Trade Volume | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2015-2019 | 2.9 billion DH (agricultural) | 19% of overall trade |
| End of 2021 | 1.6 billion dollars | 42% increase from previous period |
| First half of 2022 | 950 million dollars (Russian exports) | Doubled exports |
Strategic and Political Dimensions
Morocco maintains close relations with Saudi Arabia and the Persian Gulf states, receiving substantial financial assistance. Morocco was the first Arab state to condemn Iraq's invasion of Kuwait and sent troops to help defend Saudi Arabia.
Morocco also denounced the September 11 attacks in the United States and declared solidarity with the American people in the war against terrorism.
Morocco's perceived identity as a stable, democratizing, and liberalizing MENA and Muslim nation has strengthened ties with Western countries, particularly the United States.
Morocco has long claimed the territory of Western Sahara, which went unrecognized in the international community for years. Recently, however, the US, along with a few other nations, recognized this territorial claim.
Strategically, Morocco has traditionally remained neutral regarding its relationship with Russia, and the two have long enjoyed close economic ties, with Rabat being one of Moscow’s top trading partners. Indeed, at the recent Russia-African summit in St. Petersburg, the two countries reaffirmed their close relationship.
Morocco always chose to diversify its economic partnerships. However, it has very good relations with the United States and the member countries of the EU, it does not neglect the other super-powers like Russia. This strategy allows the kingdom to guarantee its sovereignty on the one hand.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita held bilateral talks in Moscow on Thursday 16 October 2025 strengthening ties between the two nations.
Morocco, Russia sign memorandum to boost strategic partnership
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