Russia’s Ambassador to Morocco, Igor Belyaev, has congratulated Moroccans on the first anniversary of the country’s Unity Day, established by King Mohammed VI in October 2025, describing the occasion as a symbol of national solidarity, unity and pride in the country’s values and national constants.
In a statement marking Russia’s National Unity Day, celebrated annually on Nov. 4, Belyaev said 2026 holds particular significance for Russian-Moroccan relations, as the two countries mark the 10th anniversary of their joint declaration on deepening strategic partnership, signed in Moscow in March 2016 by Russian President Vladimir Putin and King Mohammed VI.
“Over the past 10 years, our cooperation has continued to develop across various fields, from political dialogue and trade and economic relations to cooperation in science, education, culture and tourism,” the ambassador said.
He added that bilateral relations had consistently been based on mutual respect, trust, consideration of each other’s interests, and a commitment to the principles of equality and state sovereignty.
Belyaev also highlighted the third Russia-Africa Summit, recently held in Moscow, describing it as an important event that demonstrated Russia’s and African countries’ shared interest in strengthening their multifaceted partnership.
He welcomed the participation of a high-level Moroccan delegation led by Head of Government Fatima Zahra Mansouri, saying Morocco’s involvement reflected its interest in expanding ties with Moscow.
The ambassador also noted that Russia was the destination of Mansouri’s first foreign visit after taking office, describing this as evidence of Rabat’s particular interest in developing relations with Moscow and of both countries’ commitment to deepening their strategic partnership.
Belyaev said he was confident that agreements reached during the summit, along with contacts held on its sidelines, would give fresh momentum to bilateral cooperation and help advance joint initiatives.
“Russia considers Morocco one of its important and reliable partners on the African continent,” he said, adding that Moscow was keen to further develop trade and economic relations, expand cooperation in trade and industry, and strengthen exchanges in energy, agriculture, science, education and culture.
Education and people-to-people exchanges
The ambassador also emphasized the role of direct contacts and people-to-people ties in strengthening relations between the two countries.
Cultural exchanges, educational programs, joint events and direct interaction between Russian and Moroccan citizens, he said, contribute to mutual understanding and friendship.
Education, in particular, remains an important area of bilateral cooperation. Belyaev said more than 4,000 Moroccan nationals studied at Russian higher education institutions during the 2024-2025 academic year.
He described this as evidence of sustained interest among Moroccan students in Russian education and said it reflected significant potential for expanding academic exchanges and cooperation between universities.
Russia marks National Unity Day
Turning to the significance of Russia’s Nov. 4 National Unity Day, Belyaev said the holiday celebrates the Russian people’s attachment to their traditions and identity, their loyalty to their history and their shared responsibility for the country’s future.
The holiday dates back to 1612, when volunteers and patriots led by Kuzma Minin and Dmitry Pozharsky liberated Moscow from foreign occupiers, bringing an end to one of the most difficult periods in Russian history, known as the Time of Troubles.
The unity of people from different social classes, ethnic groups and religious communities, the ambassador said, enabled Russia to overcome that period, preserve its statehood and lay the foundations for its subsequent development.
He added that National Unity Day serves as a reminder that Russia’s strength lies in solidarity, mutual respect among its peoples and their ability to unite around common goals.
Against the backdrop of an increasingly complex international environment, Belyaev said, preserving space for dialogue, mutual respect and constructive cooperation has become especially important.
He concluded by expressing confidence that Russian-Moroccan relations, built on strong foundations, historical ties and a shared interest in further development, would continue to expand across all fields in the interests of both countries and their peoples, while contributing to peace, stability and prosperity.
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