Morocco’s hosting of 6th Arab-Russian Forum, an international recognition of the Kingdom’s regional role
The Moroccan city of Marrakesh, which hosted the 2023 WB-IMF Annual Meetings, CAF Awards 2023 and the latest Arab police conference, will host another major event, the Arab-Russian Forum, this December 19-20.
The Forum is held under the theme of “the challenge of strengthening Russia’s place in the Arab region and in Africa.”
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is expected to attend the forum that has been postponed several times.
Senior government officials from the Arab world and Russia will meet in Marrakesh to discuss ways of strengthening Arab-Russian cooperation amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and Eastern Europe, affecting global economy.
These high-profile events organized in Morocco contribute to the Nation’s branding as they show the trust the country enjoys on the international scene. They represent also an international recognition of the key role the North African Kingdom plays for global peace, stability, and development.
The Arab-Russia Forum is an opportunity for Rabat and Moscow to look into cooperation ties in various sectors including trade, agriculture, fisheries, and peaceful use of nuclear technology.
The event comes as Morocco continues to gain a growing international support for its sovereignty over its Sahara, while Russia is fostering its relations with African countries, China, and India after its geopolitical showdown with Washington following the war in Ukraine.
Furthermore, Moscow maintains currently a neutral stand regarding the Sahara issue. It sees Morocco as a reliable country and an emerging regional power in Africa wherein Russia wants to expand its influence.
The Moroccan-Russian relations have gained momentum following the visit paid by King Mohammed VI to Moscow in 2016 and his meeting with President Vladimir Putin.
The royal visit was crowned with the signing of several bilateral agreements. It was followed by successive visits by Russian officials to Morocco, led by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and the visit of Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch to Moscow to participate in Russia-African Summit held last July in St. Petersburg.
Moroccan foreign policy is based on pragmatism, diversification of partners, and balanced relations with West and East. This strategy has earned the country credibility, respect, and trust around the world.
