Russia’s ambassador to Morocco, Vladimir Baibakov, has praised Morocco’s role in promoting regional security and stability, particularly in the Sahara–Sahel region, while affirming that bilateral trade relations between Moscow and Rabat remain solid despite ongoing Western sanctions on Russia.
In an interview with Russian outlet RIA Novosti, the diplomat commended the Kingdom’s development trajectory under the leadership of Mohammed VI, describing Morocco as an increasingly influential regional actor in matters of security and counter-terrorism.
Baibakov highlighted Morocco’s “tangible contribution” to regional stabilization efforts, noting that Rabat hosts a regional United Nations office dedicated to counter-terrorism, which he said reflects the country’s commitment to international cooperation and collective security frameworks.
Addressing Morocco’s domestic situation, the ambassador characterized the country as safe and politically stable, emphasizing that authorities place significant importance on maintaining public order and combating crime. He added that Morocco tends to adopt a dialogue-based approach in handling protests and social movements.
The Russian envoy also described Morocco as a secure and attractive destination for tourists, encouraging Russian visitors to explore the country’s cultural and geographic diversity. He specifically recommended cities such as Marrakech, Fez, Tangier, and Chefchaouen as leading destinations for first-time travelers.
On the economic front, Baibakov stated that annual trade turnover between Russia and Morocco continues to hover around $2 billion, despite sanctions imposed by Western countries following the Ukraine conflict. While acknowledging that restrictions create challenges — particularly in financial transactions and payment mechanisms — he stressed that both sides are working to find practical solutions to sustain commercial exchanges.
He further accused Western states of attempting to use sanctions as a tool to edge Russia out of the Moroccan market. Nevertheless, he said bilateral trade continues to expand, with Russia exporting agricultural goods, fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, electrical equipment, and information-technology products to Morocco, while importing Moroccan fruits, citrus, and seafood that enjoy strong demand in the Russian market.
Baibakov concluded by underscoring that the partnership between Moscow and Rabat is built on mutual respect and shared interests, adding that both countries remain committed to strengthening cooperation across multiple sectors in a way that supports regional stability and long-term development.
