Vorobiev: Russia naturally sides with the international rule of law and UN resolutions. We therefore support MINURSO and the choice of Christopher Ross to find a solution to this conflict that has gone on far too long. Of course, Russia does not hide its support for the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco. Everyone knows that the kingdom has invested heavily in Western Sahara and has worked in favor of the Sahrawi population. As I said, we were categorically opposed to the extension of the MINURSO mandate to incorporate human rights. We also denounced the inappropriate approach of the African Union against Morocco, in particular by Nigeria and South Africa.

Vorobiev: I believe this resolution is normal and fair. I would like to remind you that last year, Russia has threatened to use the veto against the expansion of the prerogatives of MINURSO. This year, the United States and France have played an important role in favor of Morocco.

TelQuel: What is your take on the latest UN resolution to extend the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), without incorporating human rights monitoring in the Western Sahara?

It is a country that relies on the geopolitical chessboard, but it is only on rare occasions that the state of our relations with Russia draws attention. Thus, any activity of the ambassador of the Russian Federation in Rabat represents a small event, especially in a context where this world power is at the heart of international conflicts. As a seasoned diplomat, Valery Vorobiev firmly defends the position of his government on the Syrian and Ukrainian issues and does not hesitate to point out the American inclination to lead the world. A multilingual academic and an essayist specialized in the relations between the Arab world and Israel, the ambassador is very familiar with Morocco, where he was first stationed in the early 1990s. Ever since his return to Rabat in 2013, he has been striving to clarify the positions of his country.

TelQuel: What about Algeria, which plays a weighty role in this conflict?

Vorobiev: We have friendly relations with Algeria and it purchases large quantities of weapons from us. However, we are also aware of the support Algeria provides to the Polisario front. This is why Russia encourages a solution to the Sahara issue within the UN framework since the status quo is in nobody’s interest.

TelQuel: How can Moroccan-Russian economic relations — that are very limited today — be improved?

Vorobiev: It is unfortunate that the level of trade between our two countries does not exceed, financially, $3 billion. It is a modest level that we are trying to develop in different areas. As you know, the wheat yields in Morocco fell significantly this year. The kingdom has been relying on Ukraine to import large quantities of wheat. However, given the current crisis in this country, this option became very difficult. Therefore, to remedy this situation, Russia is going to ensure the purchase of wheat to provide it to Morocco. Negotiations are already underway to conclude an agreement in this regard. On another note, we are seeking to supply the kingdom with oil. We are working directly with Morocco, without resorting to intermediaries, such as Total, which reduces the costs. Moreover, we are exerting tremendous efforts to allow Morocco to benefit from the Russian tourist market. The number of Russians who visit Morocco does not exceed 50,000 tourists per year, while 4 million Russians go to Turkey and 3 million go to Egypt.

TelQuel: What about armaments?

Vorobiev: Morocco is opening up more and more to Russian armament. The recent visit by the commander-in-chief of the Russian air force to Morocco, in the midst of the Ukrainian crisis, is an indicator of the great trust between the two countries. We care about Morocco and we are making every effort possible to expand and diversify our trade. It is in this context that Sergey Lavrov, our minister of foreign affairs, will soon visit Morocco to meet the king. This visit has been postponed twice, once due to his majesty’s African tour and the other time because of Lavrov’s international commitments, especially on the Syrian issue.

TelQuel: Regarding the Syrian issue, Russia is accused of playing into the hands of the regime of Bashar al-Assad and supporting him in his war against the opposition.

Vorobiev: Russia has always been keen on playing a key and positive role in the Syrian crisis. The Russian initiative, which has been welcomed by Syria, has prevented a foreign intervention and opened the way for a political solution. Today, Russia's position has remained unchanged. The violence should be halted, the humanitarian situation should be improved, the threat of breaking up the country should be avoided and a political solution to this crisis should be reached. We are also concerned about the criminal activities committed by armed groups against civilians in Syria, which have reached unprecedented levels of violence.

TelQuel: Yet, there is also the Ukrainian crisis, which has led to a diplomatic confrontation between Moscow and Washington.

Vorobiev: It is true that the situation in Ukraine is complex, dangerous and threatens the future of the whole world. We do not have a problem with Ukraine, and the integration of Crimea was just a reaction and not a desire for hegemony as the United States has alleged. We should not forget that the United States surrounds Russia with more than 60 military bases in neighboring countries, not to mention the military buildings and thousands of soldiers and intelligence officers. Although 40,000 Russian officers and soldiers withdrew from Ukraine to find a solution and avoid escalation, the United States has continued the threats and the militarization of the region. Even worse, the Americans are even threatening to involve NATO in the conflict, which President Vladimir Putin considers a red line.

TelQuel: Then, do we understand that the United States is the one encouraging the crisis in the Ukraine?

Vorobiev: They [the United States] are the reason for sure. The United States still wants to rule the world, so far as to infringe upon international treaties and diplomatic practice. The first thing the US ambassador did upon his arrival in Moscow was host the Russian opposition, which is contrary to diplomatic manners. Russia has changed significantly in recent years, to the point of bothering the United States. The Americans want to remain the only ones steering the ship entirely, while raising the slogan of human rights. This is the truth that must be revealed.