RABAT, November 10, 2026 — Ecuador has formally expressed support for Morocco’s sovereignty over its entire territory, including the Sahara region, while announcing plans for its ambassador in Morocco to visit the country’s southern provinces.
The position was set out in a joint communiqué issued following talks on November 9 in Rabat between Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita, and Ecuador’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility, Roberto Carlos Kury Pesantes.
WMF received the communiqué directly from the source.
The statement represents a significant diplomatic development in relations between Rabat and Quito, combining Ecuador’s stated position on the Sahara issue with plans for closer diplomatic, consular, economic and commercial cooperation.
Ecuador endorses Morocco’s autonomy initiative
In the joint communiqué, Ecuador states that it supports the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Morocco over its entire territory, including the Sahara region, within the framework of relevant United Nations resolutions.
Ecuador also describes Morocco’s 2007 autonomy initiative as “the only serious, credible, and realistic solution” for achieving a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political settlement.
The communiqué further states that Ecuador considers genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty to be the most feasible solution for resolving the dispute.
The two governments also reaffirmed their support for the United Nations Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Western Sahara and his efforts to advance the political process toward a lasting solution.
Ambassador’s visit to the southern provinces planned
Beyond its diplomatic declaration, Ecuador has indicated that it intends to translate its position into bilateral action.
According to the communiqué, Ecuador plans to organize a visit by its ambassador in Morocco to the Sahara region. No date for the visit was specified.
The statement also confirms that Ecuador will maintain consular coverage across Morocco at the national level, describing this approach as consistent with its diplomatic, economic and consular position.
Morocco welcomed the announcement.
Economic cooperation and investment opportunities
The communiqué also identifies economic cooperation as an important part of the relationship between the two countries.
Ecuador says it will promote opportunities for economic and commercial cooperation in the Moroccan Sahara region, with the stated objective of strengthening investment, trade and productive development.
The two governments also signed a cooperation roadmap covering the 2026–2028 period.
Their discussions included potential cooperation in agro-industry, renewable energy, energy transition and the decarbonization of economic activity.
The ministers also expressed interest in advancing work toward the first meeting of the Joint Economic and Trade Commission, with Ecuador proposing to host the meeting virtually.
Broader Morocco–Ecuador partnership
The November 9 meeting addressed several additional areas of bilateral cooperation.
Ecuador’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the signing of a visa-exemption agreement for Ecuadorian citizens holding ordinary passports, which will take effect after Morocco completes its internal procedures.
Morocco also expressed its willingness to provide Ecuador with 2,000 tonnes of fertilizer as a donation. The two countries discussed expanding trade and reducing tariffs on certain Ecuadorian products, with the relevant product list to be agreed upon.
Morocco is also preparing to inaugurate its new embassy in Quito, according to the joint communiqué.
These measures form part of a broader effort by both governments to expand diplomatic engagement and develop stronger economic ties.
A diplomatic development with regional implications
Ecuador’s announcement adds another dimension to its relationship with Morocco, particularly through the stated intention to connect its diplomatic position with consular activity and economic cooperation in the Sahara region.
The Western Sahara dispute remains part of a United Nations-led political process. The joint communiqué reflects Ecuador’s position and its support for Morocco’s autonomy proposal, while reaffirming the role of the UN process in seeking a political settlement.
The planned ambassadorial visit and proposed economic initiatives will be important developments to follow as both countries work to implement the commitments announced in Rabat.
For Morocco and Ecuador, the November 9 meeting has placed the Sahara issue alongside a wider agenda of diplomatic cooperation, trade, investment and relations between Africa and Latin America.
By: World Media Feed Editorial Team
Source: Joint communiqué issued following the November 9, 2026, meeting in Rabat between the foreign ministers of Morocco and Ecuador. Communiqué received directly by WMF. Ecuador’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also published its account of the bilateral agreements and cooperation agenda.
Sources for the article:
- MAP communiqué published by 2M — November 9, 2026
- Ecuador Ministry of Foreign Affairs — official account of the visit and agreements
- Full joint communiqué in French
- SNRT News — communiqué coverage
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