Ecuador has voiced clear and steadfast support for Morocco’s sovereignty over its entire territory, including the Sahara. The supportive stand of Quito comes in a joint statement issued following talks held Monday in Rabat between Moroccan foreign minister Nasser Bourita and his Ecuadorian peer Kury Pesantes.
Ecuador also backs the autonomy plan offered by Morocco for the Sahara, saying the plan is “the only serious, credible, and realistic solution for achieving a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable political solution” to the five-decade long regional conflict.
Ecuador has pledged to promote the economic, investment and commercial opportunities offered in the Moroccan Sahara region, gateway to African markets.
In this regard, the joint statement adds that Ecuador has decided to show support at the bilateral level, notably through a visit by its ambassador to Morocco to the Sahara region, thus acting in accordance with its stance at the diplomatic, economic, and consular levels, as well as through its continued consular coverage nationwide.
“Ecuador will promote opportunities for economic and commercial cooperation in the Sahara region, thereby opening promising prospects for the African continent to the benefit of its economic sectors, with the aim of strengthening ties in investment, trade, and productive development,” the statement pointed out.
In their joint statement, Rabat and Quito signed the 2026-2028 cooperation roadmap to strengthen and diversify partnership. They lauded joint commitment to reduce customs duties on some Ecuadorian products and
welcomed the Visa Waiver Agreement for Ecuadorian nationals holding ordinary passports to facilitate their travel to Morocco and promote exchanges between the two countries.
The Foreign ministers of the two countries also discussed partnerships in agribusiness, energy transition, renewable energy, and the transition to a green economy for a sustainable and resilient development.
They also pledged to strengthen bilateral economic & trade relations, and agreed on holding the first meeting of the Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO), which Ecuador proposes to host virtually in its capacity as the host country.
The two ministers hailed the convergence of views and shared commitment to advancing bilateral relations, based on mutual interests regarding major global issues.
In the joint statement, the Ecuadorian official lauded the structural reforms undertaken under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, saying these reforms are aimed at enshrining the stability and prosperity of Morocco.
He also commended the initiatives in favor of Africa, particularly those aimed at promoting regional integration, stability, and development on the continent.
Pesantes further highlighted Morocco’s role as a key player in Africa and a strategic partner in the fight against terrorism and transnational crime, as well as in South-South cooperation.
