The relationship between Russia and Morocco has strengthened over the years, nourished by a mutual desire to strengthen bilateral cooperation. However, one subject remains a sensitive point: the Moroccan Sahara. Although Russia does not formally support the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco, Moscow has clearly expressed its desire to participate in the resolution of the conflict, while cultivating a friendly relationship with Rabat.
During a press conference on Tuesday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reaffirmed the importance that Russia attaches to its relations with Morocco. He notably underlined Moscow’s desire to actively contribute to the resolution of the Sahara conflict. “ Morocco is a friendly country. We have good projects and we help the Moroccans to resolve problems falling within the competence of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in particular the question of Western Sahara “, Lavrov said.
Although Moscow does not adhere to the Moroccan autonomy plan as an exclusive solution to the Moroccan Sahara conflict, Russia has, over the years, modified its approach to supporting UN Security Council resolutions on the question. A few years ago, UN resolutions calling for self-determination of the Sahrawi people were designed to encourage a referendum, but they proved impractical, as the Russian minister admitted. In this regard, Moscow does not hesitate to point out that the issue remains to be resolved on the basis of mutual consensus, rejecting the idea of imposing a solution on one of the conflicting parties.
Russia, a long-time ally of Algeria, now appears to be taking a more nuanced position. While, in the past, Russia systematically voted against resolutions supporting Morocco in the Security Council, it now abstains in a move aimed at not upsetting its new partnerships while maintaining a balanced relationship with Algiers.
Russia’s role in the Sahara discussions is complex and often seen as a strategy to challenge the influence of the United States, which plays a central role in drafting UN resolutions. While Washington persists in supporting the Moroccan position, Moscow chooses, in some cases, to refrain from supporting pro-Moroccan resolutions. This reflects a desire not to compromise definitively while seeking to maintain a certain influence on international diplomatic processes.
-Lavrov also recalled that Russia is fully prepared to contribute to a peaceful resolution of the conflict. “ This issue can only be resolved on the basis of mutual consent, and not by imposing something on one of the parties “, he declared, thus reaffirming Moscow’s position which favors dialogue and negotiation to reach an agreement.
For Morocco, the Sahara remains a question of national sovereignty, a vital issue for the kingdom’s diplomacy and international relations. The country insists that no partnership or agreement can be concluded with a nation that calls into question this sovereignty. In this sense, the Russian position on the Sahara remains delicate for Morocco to manage. Although the two countries agree on the need to deepen their diplomatic relations, the Sahara question remains a major subject.
Morocco, for its part, continues to promote its autonomy plan as the only viable solution for resolving the conflict. However, the absence of explicit support from Russia for this initiative raises the question of how the two nations will manage to navigate between their common interests and their differences on the Sahrawi issue.
Despite these few aspects, Russian-Moroccan cooperation has intensified, notably through diplomatic exchanges and official visits. The two countries are striving to build a stronger partnership, despite the Sahara issue. While Russia has not yet explicitly adopted the Moroccan plan as a solution, its willingness to contribute to a peaceful solution and settlement through dialogue is a positive sign.