Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita announced on Monday that Ecuador intends to extend its consular and diplomatic reach to the southern territories of the Kingdom. According to Hespress English, Rabat views this expansion as a sign of Quito’s backing for Moroccan sovereignty over the region. Bourita noted that the Ecuadorian ambassador in Rabat is ready to travel to the area soon to facilitate this process.
The statement followed a press conference in the Moroccan capital after discussions between Bourita and his Ecuadorian peer, Roberto Carlos Kury Pesantes. Bourita described a major shift in bilateral relations since late 2024, a period he characterized by limited engagement. He attributed the improved ties to the political commitment of King Mohammed VI and Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa, which led to the exchange of embassies and more frequent high-level visits.
Hespress English reported that commercial exchanges between the two states have doubled, driven largely by the trade of agricultural goods and fertilizers. The ministers concluded a new cooperation roadmap for 2027 and 2028, which builds upon a previous 2025-2026 framework focused on technical aid and training. A joint economic and technical committee was also established to coordinate future activities, with an initial meeting scheduled for the near future.
During the session, the two leaders signed a pact to eliminate visa requirements for standard passport holders. This was accompanied by a joint statement and a broader cooperation plan covering 2026 through 2028. Hespress English observed that the timeframe in the signed roadmap differs slightly from the 2027-2028 period Bourita mentioned in his remarks. The countries also plan to finalize three or four additional legal instruments, including deals on tax avoidance, investment safeguards, and air travel.
The ministers also discussed using Morocco as a gateway for Ecuadorian food exports to markets in Africa, Europe, and the Arab world. They explored ways to deepen intelligence sharing to combat transnational crime and considered launching a joint economic forum. Bourita expressed gratitude for Quito’s constructive stance on the southern provinces and commended President Noboa for his domestic security reforms.