Morocco and Ecuador Move Toward a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

By: Meryem Hafiani – ALDAR

On Friday in Rabat, Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, received Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Gabriela Sommerfeld in an official meeting that culminated in the signing of a series of memorandums of understanding in the political and diplomatic fields, launching a new dynamic in bilateral relations between Rabat and Quito.

This meeting, held in Rabat on Friday, went beyond symbolic and diplomatic gestures, signaling a major shift in Ecuador’s foreign policy toward the Kingdom of Morocco—especially following Quito’s recent decision to withdraw its recognition of the separatist entity and to voice clear support for Morocco’s autonomy initiative as a realistic and practical solution to the fabricated conflict over the Moroccan Sahara.

Among the tangible outcomes of the meeting was progress on a roadmap aimed at facilitating the travel of Ecuadorian citizens to Morocco. Starting in August, holders of certain third-country visas (such as those issued by the United States or EU member states) will be allowed to enter Moroccan territory without needing a national visa. In addition, an online platform will be launched to allow travelers to fill out entry forms in advance, with the goal of speeding up procedures and easing passage through ports and airports.

This move reflects a strong political will on both sides to broaden the scope of cooperation and to make their bilateral relationship a model of integration and rapprochement between the Arab world and Latin America. Cooperation is also expected to include areas such as education, diplomatic training, and the exchange of expertise, in addition to coordination of positions within international forums.

These steps align with Morocco’s strategic orientation—under the leadership of King Mohammed VI—toward diversifying its partnerships and expanding its diplomatic influence beyond traditional spheres, focusing on mutually beneficial relationships based on mutual respect and non-interference in internal affairs.

For her part, Ecuador’s Foreign Minister expressed her country’s desire to build a strong and long-term relationship with Morocco, noting that both nations share a common vision on issues of development, peace, and international cooperation in a world undergoing profound geopolitical shifts.