The Minister for Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Living Abroad, Nasser Bourita, stated that relations between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of Ecuador have seen remarkable progress over the past two years, thanks to the strong political will of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, and His Excellency the President of the Republic of Ecuador, Daniel Noboa.

During his talks in Rabat with his Ecuadorian counterpart, Roberto Carlos Kury Pesantes, the Moroccan minister explained that this development reflects a qualitative shift in the course of bilateral relations, given that, prior to October 2024, relations between the two countries had been limited and characterised by a divergence in positions and perceptions on a number of fundamental issues.

He added that the two countries have, in a short space of time, moved into a new phase of cooperation, marked by the opening of the Kingdom of Morocco’s embassy in the Ecuadorian capital, Quito, in September, as well as the opening of Ecuador’s embassy in Morocco during the current year, in addition to the exchange of parliamentary, governmental and official delegation visits between the two sides.

Political and security matters

On the issue of the Moroccan Sahara, Bourita expressed the Kingdom of Morocco’s thanks and gratitude for the Republic of Ecuador’s constructive, positive and clear stance on the question of the Kingdom’s territorial integrity, and for its support for Morocco’s sovereignty over its southern provinces.

He noted that the joint statement includes the extension of the consular jurisdiction of the Ecuadorian Embassy in Rabat to cover the Kingdom’s southern provinces, as well as the Ecuadorian Ambassador’s intention to pay a visit to these provinces in the near future – a step that reflects his country’s position in favour of Morocco’s territorial integrity.

The Minister also emphasised the importance of strengthening security and intelligence cooperation in order to tackle organised crime and cross-border criminal networks.

Speaking on the situation in Ecuador, Bourita reaffirmed the Kingdom’s support for the efforts made by the Ecuadorian President to combat criminal networks and strengthen security and stability, emphasising that Morocco stands ready to support these efforts.

He added that strengthening stability is a key factor in attracting investment, achieving economic development and opening up new opportunities for partnerships, noting that the measures taken in this regard serve Ecuador’s future and its stability.

Investment, Trade and agriculture

The Minister for Foreign Affairs emphasised that trade between Morocco and Ecuador has doubled over the last two years, particularly in the areas of agricultural products and fertilisers. Institutional mechanisms for political consultation have been put in place, and efforts are under way to establish a joint economic and technical commission to strengthen sectoral cooperation.

In the same context, Bourita emphasised that the two countries had signed a roadmap for cooperation for the period 2025–2026, covering the areas of technical, agricultural and training cooperation, and announced plans to sign a new roadmap for the period 2027–2028, with the aim of maintaining the positive momentum in bilateral relations.

Bourita stated that the talks had resulted in an agreement to complete the legal framework for bilateral relations through the signing of three important agreements concerning the avoidance of double taxation, the protection of investments and air services, in addition to strengthening cooperation in the agricultural sector.

The two sides also agreed to develop mechanisms for political consultation and economic and technical cooperation, and to work towards making Morocco a platform for Ecuador to strengthen its trade with Africa, Europe and the Arab world, particularly in the field of agricultural products.

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