Amid rising tensions between Russia and the West, Morocco is walking a tightrope by balancing its security ties with the United States and Europe while deepening its economic relations with Russia, as per a recent report by the Carnegie Endowment for Peace.
Being strategically positioned, Morocco has become a focal point for Russia’s expanding influence in the Maghreb region. Despite a strong security partnership with the US, Morocco has also significantly boosted its economic ties with Russia, with trade between the two nations soaring by 42% in 2021.
However, Morocco’s reliance on Russian imports leaves it vulnerable to the economic aftermath of the Ukraine war. Despite refraining from voting against Russia in the UN, Morocco has been cautious of aligning too closely with a country facing international isolation.
While Russia is stepping up its engagement in North African states like Algeria, Libya, Morocco, and Tunisia, Morocco continues to diversify its foreign relations to maintain strong ties with key players like the US, Europe, and China.
Russia’s focus on arms sales, energy, and trade in North Africa poses challenges in navigating regional complexities, with varying degrees of success in Algeria, Libya, Morocco, and Tunisia.
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