Morocco and Russia signed a new four-year fisheries cooperation agreement on Friday in Moscow, replacing the one that expired on December 31, 2024. The deal was concluded by Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and Russia's Head of the Federal Agency for Fishery, Ilya Shestakov, on the sidelines of the 8th session of the Morocco–Russia Joint Intergovernmental Commission, co-chaired by Bourita and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev. The agreement establishes a legal framework for Russian vessels to operate in Morocco's Atlantic waters under national regulations, while setting strict quotas, designated fishing zones, and biological rest periods to preserve fish stocks. It also strengthens scientific cooperation between Morocco's National Institute of Fisheries Research (INRH) and its Russian counterpart, particularly in marine ecosystem monitoring and joint training programs. The accord is expected to boost Morocco's fishing economy, create jobs for Moroccan seafarers—especially in southern ports—and expand maritime training through scholarships and internships in Russia. Both sides described the agreement as a reaffirmation of their commitment to sustainable, mutually beneficial cooperation in line with environmental protection and long-standing bilateral ties.
