Rabat: The two countries reiterate today that ‘the South could set itself as a space of influence and political togetherness, far from policies that fuel division,’ Bourita underlined during a joint press briefing with Ecuadorian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gabriela Sommerfeld, who is paying a working visit to the Kingdom.
According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, Ecuador made a historic decision on October 22, 2024, to sever all ties with the pseudo “sadr” and strengthen its relationship with the Kingdom of Morocco. This significant diplomatic shift was acknowledged in a message sent last December by His Majesty King Mohammed VI to President Daniel Noboa, highlighting Morocco’s appreciation for this decision and marking the beginning of a new chapter in Morocco-Ecuador relations.
Bourita emphasized that His Majesty the King reaffirmed Morocco’s commitment to establishing a solid partnership with Ecuador across various fields. He noted that Sommerfeld’s visit represents a major turning point in bilateral relations, aligning with the High Guidelines of His Majesty King Mohammed VI and His Excellency President Daniel Noboa. Despite geographical distance, Morocco and Ecuador aim to build an exemplary South-South partnership to benefit both nations and enhance regional and international stability and security.
Bourita also discussed the need to strengthen political dialogue between Morocco and Ecuador, proposing a memorandum of understanding to enhance consultation and coordination on regional and international issues. The two nations share converging views on several matters, and this agreement aims to facilitate cooperation within regional and multilateral organizations.
Economic and trade cooperation between the two countries is set to deepen, with Sommerfeld scheduled to meet various Moroccan economic stakeholders and visit key Moroccan economic structures. These engagements aim to explore opportunities for strengthening bilateral cooperation in diverse fields.
Given the significance of food security, Morocco and Ecuador are committed to enhancing strategic cooperation in this area. Additionally, they plan to consolidate bilateral efforts on migration and combating transnational organized crime networks through a focused security dialogue.
Bourita expressed Morocco’s full support for Ecuador’s efforts to combat transnational crime, including drug trafficking networks and associated violence. He praised President Noboa’s leadership in reinforcing security and the rule of law. Morocco also welcomes Ecuador’s initiatives in fighting organized crime at international and regional levels, including efforts within the UN and related organizations.
A landmark event in bilateral ties was the inauguration of the Embassy of the Republic of Ecuador in Rabat, marking the country’s first diplomatic representation in the Maghreb region. Morocco is also considering opening a diplomatic office in Quito, with plans to upgrade it to an embassy, further strengthening bilateral cooperation.
These diplomatic representations will facilitate coordination and cooperation between the two countries’ economic, cultural, and associative sectors. Additionally, Ecuador will be included in the list of countries benefiting from Morocco’s e-visa system, allowing individuals with visas from certain countries to enter Morocco without a Moroccan visa. A prior declaration system will replace the visa requirement starting next month.