In a dynamic that redraws the contours of its foreign policy in North Africa, Russia now seems to give Morocco a central place in its opening strategy towards the African continent. This realignment is part of Moscow to diversify its partnerships and establish its influence in the south of the Mediterranean, outside the traditional canals.
The signal of this tilting was given in Rabat, in mid-April, by Vladimir Morozov, vice-president of the prestigious MGIMO university-academic arm of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. At the head of a high-level delegation, Morozov led a series of institutional and university meetings from April 14 to 17, sketching the beginnings of a broad spectrum bilateral partnership, going well beyond conventional diplomatic relations.
In an interview with the Moscovskaïa Gazeta newspaper, Morozov spoke of the shared desire to “weave an intertwined relationship” with Morocco, articulated around higher education, scientific research, energy cooperation and emerging technologies. Strategic meetings took place in particular with Mohammed V University and the Diplomatic Training Institute under the Moroccan Foreign Ministry.
Far from being limited to a simple exchange of students, this cooperation aims for a real academic co -production: joint scientific conferences, mobility of researchers, and pooling of knowledge. “Morocco shows a tangible interest in the expansion of research cooperation. We have agreed to sign several memorandum of understanding and launch a series of videoconferences, “said Morozov.
Moscow also encourages the reception of Russian students in Morocco, in particular those intended for diplomatic careers. An approach motivated by the cultural richness of the kingdom and its geostrategic position, perceived as an immersive training lever.
But the Russian approach is not confined to teaching. On the economic level, Russia multiplies the signals of interest in the Moroccan market, especially in the oil, gas and advanced technologies sectors. Morozov revealed that the Russian giant Yandex has already started its projects in Morocco, announcing an economic presence called to grow in “a promising climate of investment”.
According to Russian political scientist Youri Svitov, this rapprochement is part of a global redefinition of international alliances. In a statement to the Grajdanski Silly.ru site, he explains: “Arab countries today aspire to diversify their partners, and Russia offers a credible strategic alternative to the Western monopoly. “He also believes that education represents an essential lever of the soft power, still under-exploited by Moscow:” A student trained in Russia becomes a sustainable ambassador of this relationship, much more effective than geopolitical slogans. »»
In this context, Morocco emerges as an agile and attractive actor, capable of combining academic influence, economic dynamism and diplomatic stability. While the French influence erodes in the Sahel and the Mediterranean force relations reorganize, Rabat stands out as an essential regional platform, courted by the rising powers.
This Russian turn to Morocco is not just a simple symbolic gesture: it embodies an explicit recognition of the strategic role of the kingdom in African and Eurasian balances. While Moscow is looking for a safe anchor point to access the continent, Rabat continues his strategy for diversifying alliances, capitalizing on his soft power and his geopolitical position to assert his continental stature.
