Ecuador to open an embassy in Morocco, its first in the Maghreb

Ecuador announced plans to open an embassy in Morocco,which will be Ecuador’s first diplomatic representation in the Maghreb.

The announcement was made at a press briefing by Ecuadorian Minister of Foreign Affairs Gabriela Sommerfeld following a meeting Saturday in Quito with his Moroccan peer Nasser Bourita,who represented King Mohammed VI at the official investiture ceremony of re-elected President Daniel Noboa.

Bourita on his part noted that this marks the first visit by a Moroccan foreign minister to Ecuador since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1988,calling the visit a “historic moment for our bilateral relations”.

“Our two countries have opened a new chapter in their bilateral relations following President Noboa’s decision in October 2024 to suspend relations with the so-called SADR (…)” Bourita added,noting that from that point forward,and on instructions of King Mohammed VI and President Noboa,the two countries,that are geographically distant,but very close on several issues,signed a roadmap to promote South-South ties.

“We have developed cooperation in many areas of common interest,including the economic,agricultural,and human dimensions,through granting scholarships,” Bourita said.

On the sidelines of the investiture ceremony,Bourita was received in audience by Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa,to whom he conveyed the King’s congratulations on his re-election to the helm of his country.

He told the media afterwards that Ecuador is currently embarking on a new phase under the leadership of President Noboa. He added that “the Kingdom of Morocco is here to express the clear keenness of His Majesty the King to support the President in his efforts to strengthen bilateral relations,particularly in the economic,commercial,and security fields”.

The investiture ceremony took place at the headquarters of the Legislative Assembly and was attended by several Heads of State and Government,Presidents of legislative institutions,governments representatives,as well as representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited to Ecuador.