Morocco extends with Russia fisheries accord that covers Sahara, sending strong message to EU & Polisario Supporters

The four-year fisheries accord sealed between Morocco and Russia covers the Sahara territorial waters. The deal, which will expire on October 31, has been extended till end of 2024. Talks have been launched by the two countries for the renewal of the agreement for another four years starting 2025.

Morocco affirms that it will never accept a commercial deal that does not respect its territorial integrity and national unity. Russia looks forward to extending fisheries agreement with Morocco, covering the entire Atlantic coast of the Kingdom, including the waters of the Sahara provinces.

The Russian move strengthens Morocco’s position and deals a hard blow to the EU, Algeria, and its polisario puppets as it comes amid the politically motivated ruling issued by the European Court of Justice against fisheries and farming agreements concluded with Rabat.

According to some experts, Morocco will not be affected by the ECJ decision as the country has already diversified its markets (Asia, USA…). Furthermore, the North African Kingdom has always turned challenges into opportunities. It will have the advantage of negotiating with each member of the EU per se instead of sitting at the negotiating table with the largest trade bloc in the world.

Following the announcement of the ECJ biased decision, European Commission President Von Der Leyen and EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell issued a joint statement saying “the EU reiterates the high value it attaches to its long-standing, wide-ranging and deep strategic Partnership with Morocco.”

Over twenty EU countries including Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Hungary, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Finland, Austria…have all reaffirmed commitment to partnering with the Kingdom.