Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has sent an official message of congratulations to Fatima-Zahra Mansouri, newly appointed by King Mohammed VI to head Morocco’s government, making her the first woman ever to hold the post in the Kingdom’s history. The message, released by the Russian Embassy in Rabat, underscores Moscow’s intention to deepen its strategic ties with Morocco at a moment of significant political transition in the country.
In his telegram, Mishustin wished Mansouri every success in carrying out her new responsibilities and called for active, constructive cooperation to further develop bilateral relations between the two nations. The Russian premier emphasized the importance of deepening what he described as a comprehensive strategic partnership between Moscow and Rabat, one he said rests on historical friendship, mutual respect and sustained coordination across multiple fields.
The gesture comes just days after Morocco’s new governing coalition took shape, an event closely watched by foreign chancelleries given its implications for the Kingdom’s domestic and foreign policy direction. Mansouri’s appointment marks an unprecedented milestone in Moroccan political history, drawing extensive commentary both at home and abroad.
For Moscow, Morocco remains a reliable strategic partner, both regionally and on the international stage. The two countries have maintained solid diplomatic relations for decades, bolstered in recent years by growing trade exchanges and expanding cooperation in sectors ranging from agriculture to energy and infrastructure.
Analysts note that while such congratulatory messages follow established diplomatic protocol, they also reflect the interest major powers continue to show in Morocco’s institutional stability. This comes against a regional backdrop shaped by sweeping diplomatic realignments, particularly around the Western Sahara dossier, where the Kingdom continues to gain growing international backing for its autonomy plan as the preferred framework for a lasting settlement.
It remains to be seen how Morocco’s newly formed government will translate this stated willingness to strengthen bridges with international partners, Russia included, into concrete policy outcomes in the months ahead, as Rabat navigates an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape across Africa, Europe and the Gulf.
