Ecuador has renewed its support for the Kingdom’s sovereignty over its Sahara. Quito described Morocco’s 2007 autonomy plan as the only serious path towards a lasting solution. It also announced practical steps to support this position.
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The announcement followed a meeting in Rabat between Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and his Ecuadorian counterpart, Roberto Carlos Cury Pesántes. The talks ended with a joint press conference.
During the meeting, Ecuador welcomed UN Security Council Resolution 2797 (2025). It also described the 2007 autonomy initiative as the only serious, realistic and credible basis for a just and lasting political solution.
Quito stressed that genuine autonomy under the Kingdom’s sovereignty offers the most workable way to resolve the dispute. Both countries also renewed their support for the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy and his efforts to advance the political process.
Ecuador Plans Diplomatic Steps in the Southern Provinces
Ecuador’s support goes beyond political statements. Speaking at the press conference, Bourita announced that Quito plans to extend its diplomatic and consular representation to the Kingdom’s southern provinces.
He also revealed that Ecuador’s ambassador in Rabat will visit the Moroccan Sahara soon. These steps reflect Ecuador’s intention to support the Kingdom’s sovereignty through diplomatic, economic and consular action.
Quito also plans to encourage trade and investment in the region. It views the Kingdom’s southern provinces as a gateway to the African continent.
Bourita thanked Ecuador for its clear and constructive position. He also praised President Daniel Noboa’s efforts to strengthen security, promote stability and fight organized crime.
Morocco and Ecuador Build New Ties
The announcement comes as relations between the two countries gain momentum. Bourita explained that bilateral ties were almost non-existent before September 2024. Both sides had mainly followed each other from a distance.
However, relations began to change significantly in October 2024. Since then, the two countries have exchanged embassy representation and increased ministerial and sectoral visits. Ecuadorian delegations have also travelled to the Kingdom.
Trade has doubled, particularly in agricultural products and fertilizers. Both countries have also established institutional mechanisms for political consultations.
Bourita attributed this progress to the strong commitment of King Mohammed VI and President Noboa. He stressed that the partnership focuses on clear goals and practical results. Geography, he added, should not prevent countries from building strong relations.
Visa Waiver and New Cooperation Agreements
The meeting also produced a broad package of bilateral agreements. The two ministers signed a visa waiver agreement for holders of ordinary passports.
They also adopted a new cooperation roadmap. It builds on the previous programme, which covered 2025 and 2026. The earlier framework focused on technical cooperation, agriculture and training.
The new roadmap aims to expand cooperation into additional fields. Bourita also said both sides agreed to complete their legal framework through three or four major agreements.
These agreements will cover the avoidance of double taxation, investment protection, air services and tourism.
Trade and Investment Take Centre Stage
Economic cooperation featured prominently in the discussions. Rabat expressed its readiness to reduce customs duties on selected Ecuadorian products. Both sides will agree on the list of products.
Morocco also offered Ecuador a donation of 2,000 tons of fertilizer. In addition, the two countries agreed to hold the first meeting of their joint economic and trade committee.
Ecuador proposed hosting this meeting remotely. The two sides also agreed to organize technical meetings between their economy and trade ministries.
Both countries expressed interest in partnerships in food processing and renewable energy. They also discussed cooperation on decarbonization.
Bourita further announced an agreement to make Morocco a platform for Ecuadorian exports to Africa, Europe and the Arab world. Food products will be a particular focus.
The talks also covered security and intelligence cooperation. Both sides agreed to strengthen efforts against organized crime and transcontinental criminal networks. They also discussed the possibility of holding the first Moroccan-Ecuadorian economic forum.
Morocco to Open New Embassy in Quito
Diplomatic relations will also gain a new boost with the upcoming opening of Morocco’s embassy in Quito. The Ecuadorian foreign minister welcomed the move.
Cury Pesántes also praised the reforms led by King Mohammed VI. He highlighted Morocco’s initiatives across Africa and its role as a strategic partner in the fight against terrorism and transnational crime.
For his part, Bourita commended Ecuador’s efforts to combat organized crime and drug trafficking. He also praised its work to secure supply chains and international trade.
Both Countries Reaffirm Commitment to Multilateralism
Beyond bilateral relations, the two ministers discussed several regional and international issues. Their talks covered Africa, Latin America and the Middle East.
They also exchanged views on food security, pandemics and climate change. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism and continued international cooperation.