Ecuador opens embassy in Morocco, strengthening bilateral relations

Ecuador marked a historic milestone on Friday by inaugurating its first embassy in Morocco, signaling a new chapter in the diplomatic and economic partnership between the two nations.

A pivotal diplomatic shift

The embassy opening comes after Ecuador’s decision in October 2024 to sever ties with the self-proclaimed “Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic” and endorse Morocco’s stance on the Sahara conflict. Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Gabriela Sommerfeld emphasized her country’s support for Morocco’s 2007 autonomy plan, describing it as the foundation for resolving the regional dispute.

The inauguration ceremony in Rabat was attended by Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and Sommerfeld. Both officials highlighted the significance of this development in fostering closer cooperation between Ecuador and Morocco.

Morocco: A regional and global diplomatic bridge

Bourita noted Morocco’s growing diplomatic network, which now includes 165 missions, with 14 Latin American embassies based in Rabat. He underscored Morocco’s strategic role as a bridge connecting Latin America and Africa, stressing the importance of South-South cooperation.

“The partnership with Ecuador reflects a win-win model that benefits both countries and their people,” Bourita said. He also commended Ecuador for appointing an ambassador to lead its new diplomatic mission, which he described as a move toward deeper collaboration in various fields.

Strengthening ties and exploring opportunities

Sommerfeld called the embassy a gateway for Ecuador to engage with African markets, noting its strategic importance as the country’s first diplomatic mission in the Maghreb region. She expressed commitment to expanding cooperation in key sectors and exchanging expertise to foster mutual growth.

The embassy’s opening was accompanied by high-level discussions between the two foreign ministers. These talks reaffirmed Ecuador’s alignment with Morocco’s autonomy plan for the Sahara and laid the groundwork for enhanced bilateral collaboration.

A new era of partnership

The establishment of Ecuador’s embassy in Morocco represents more than a diplomatic milestone; it underscores a shared vision of partnership and mutual development between the two nations. By deepening ties, Ecuador and Morocco are poised to unlock new opportunities in trade, diplomacy, and regional cooperation, marking the beginning of a dynamic new era in their relationship.