Moscow is backing multilateral initiatives based in Rabat while commending Morocco’s projects in support of African continental development.
Russia’s Ambassador to Morocco, Vladimir Baibakov, highlighted the potential for sports cooperation between the two countries in an interview given to a Moroccan news agency.
The diplomat underscored the strength of bilateral relations and called for exploring new avenues of collaboration in a context shaped by Morocco’s preparations to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Framing his remarks within the strategic partnership linking the two countries, the Russian envoy described sports as “one of the key sectors” with the potential to further deepen ties between Rabat and Moscow.
He also commended Morocco’s growing stature as a major player in several fields, including sports infrastructure, which has been expanding rapidly.
The comments come as the two countries mark the 10th anniversary of the deepening of their strategic partnership, a framework rooted in agreements signed during King Mohammed VI’s visits to Russia, notably in 2002 and again in 2016, which laid the foundations for the bilateral relationship and broadened its scope across several sectors.
Beyond sports, economic exchanges remain a central pillar of the relationship.
According to Baibakov, bilateral trade stands at approximately $2 billion (about €1.84 billion), a level that has remained relatively stable in recent years despite the Western sanctions targeting Moscow.
The diplomat attributed this resilience to growing interest from Russian companies in the Moroccan market.
Sectoral ties also extend to fisheries, with a new bilateral agreement signed in October, extending the cooperation that dates back to 1992.
Tourism is another area of development, buoyed by an increase in direct air links, operated in particular by Royal Air Maroc, which has helped drive up travel flows between the two countries.
Cooperation also covers security matters, with partnerships aimed at combating terrorism and promoting regional stability, particularly across the Sahelo-Saharan space.
MK/AK/lb/gik/APA