Ecuador has reaffirmed its support for Morocco's autonomy plan for the Western Sahara, describing it as the "only serious, credible and realistic" proposal for reaching a lasting settlement to the lingering dispute. This position was expressed by Ecuador's representative at the UN General Assembly's Fourth Committee in New York. The statement aligns with Security Council Resolution 2797, which supports the Moroccan autonomy proposal.
Ecuador's representative also reaffirmed the country's support for the UN-led political process and the efforts of UN Secretary-General António Guterres to reach a definitive political settlement. The representative called on the parties to participate in negotiations "in good faith and without preconditions," based on the Moroccan initiative, with the aim of reaching a "definitive and mutually acceptable" solution.
This is not the first time Ecuador has expressed support for Morocco's autonomy initiative. In April, Ecuador reaffirmed the same position in a joint statement issued following talks in Rabat between Morocco's Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Gabriela Sommerfeld. This demonstrates Ecuador's consistent stance on the matter.
The latest position comes as Morocco and Ecuador have expanded cooperation in economic, diplomatic, and development-related fields. Morocco was recently the guest of honor at the fifth edition of Ecuador's International Cooperation Fair, Territorial Edition, which took place between September 10 and 11 in Ibarra.
During the fair, Morocco's approach to South-South cooperation was presented, highlighting Rabat's focus on innovation, technology, knowledge sharing, and capacity building. Moroccan representatives also took part in discussions on South-South and triangular cooperation, new partnership mechanisms, solidarity, and territorial resilience.
Morocco and Ecuador have also strengthened their economic ties. In May, the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen trade and investment cooperation. The agreement focuses on promoting mutual investments, facilitating trade, and encouraging closer cooperation between economic operators in both countries.
The two countries are exploring deeper economic integration, including the possibility of a future free trade agreement and bilateral investment treaty. This development indicates a growing relationship between Morocco and Ecuador, with Ecuador's support for Morocco's autonomy plan being a key aspect of their diplomatic cooperation.
Key points
- Ecuador supports Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara, calling it the "only serious, credible and realistic" proposal.
- Ecuador and Morocco have expanded cooperation in economic, diplomatic, and development-related fields.
- The two countries are exploring deeper economic integration, including a possible free trade agreement and bilateral investment treaty.
