- Rabat: Joint Statement Highlights Growing Diplomatic Partnership, Strengthened Bilateral Cooperation and New Economic Opportunities
RABAT: The Republic of Ecuador has reaffirmed its support for the Kingdom of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara, while endorsing Morocco’s Autonomy Initiative as a serious, credible and realistic basis for achieving a lasting political settlement to the regional dispute.
The position was outlined in a joint statement issued following talks between Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, and Ecuador’s Foreign Minister, Roberto Carlos Kury Pesantes, in Rabat.
The announcement marks a significant development in Morocco-Ecuador relations, reflecting closer diplomatic coordination and a shared commitment to expanding cooperation across political, economic and trade sectors.
Ecuador Endorses Morocco’s Autonomy Initiative as a Viable Political Solution
In the joint statement, Ecuador expressed its support for Morocco’s sovereignty over its entire territory, including the Sahara, and welcomed the autonomy initiative presented by the Kingdom in 2007.
Ecuador described the Moroccan proposal as the “only serious, credible, and realistic solution” to the dispute, emphasizing its potential to facilitate a negotiated political settlement.
Morocco has consistently maintained that granting the Sahara region substantial autonomy under its sovereignty offers a practical framework for resolving the longstanding dispute while ensuring political stability, development and regional integration.
Ecuador’s position further strengthens Morocco’s diplomatic engagement in Latin America and reflects growing international support for its proposed political framework.
Diplomatic Engagement to Strengthen Bilateral Relations
Beyond its political position, the joint statement outlines practical measures aimed at deepening diplomatic engagement between the two countries.
Both sides agreed to arrange a visit by Ecuador’s Ambassador to Morocco to the Sahara region, with coordination involving diplomatic, economic and consular channels.
Morocco also welcomed the continuation of Ecuador’s consular coverage throughout the Kingdom, describing it as an important element in strengthening bilateral communication and institutional cooperation.
These developments are expected to reinforce political dialogue, enhance mutual understanding and create additional opportunities for collaboration between Rabat and Quito.
Morocco’s Sahara Opens New Prospects for Economic Cooperation
A particularly important dimension of the agreement is Ecuador’s willingness to explore economic and trade cooperation opportunities in the Moroccan Sahara.
The initiative could open new avenues for investment, commercial partnerships and joint ventures across productive sectors, contributing to economic development and strengthening business connections between the two countries.
Morocco has been actively promoting the Sahara as an emerging economic hub, supported by infrastructure development, investment initiatives and its strategic position as a gateway connecting Africa, Europe and the Atlantic region.
Ecuador’s interest in exploring cooperation in the region could therefore provide fresh momentum to bilateral trade and investment relations while creating opportunities for engagement with wider African markets.
A New Chapter in Morocco-Ecuador Partnership
The latest diplomatic development reflects the growing importance of Morocco’s international partnerships and its efforts to strengthen political and economic relations beyond traditional geographical boundaries.
For Ecuador, closer engagement with Morocco offers an opportunity to expand its diplomatic and commercial presence in Africa. For Morocco, the strengthened relationship represents another step towards broadening international cooperation and promoting its vision of stability, development and regional integration.
The joint statement underscores the shared interest of Rabat and Quito in translating diplomatic understanding into practical cooperation, with economic development and stronger bilateral ties emerging as key priorities.
BY: The Times Union
