Ecuador reaffirms support for Morocco's autonomy initiative in the Sahara

Ecuador has reiterated its support for Morocco's autonomy initiative for the Sahara, a position formalized in a joint communiqué signed in Rabat. This follows discussions between Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, and Gabriela Sommerfeld, Minister of Foreign Relations and Human Mobility of Ecuador. Ecuador welcomed the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2797 2025, which affirms that autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty is the most viable solution to the regional dispute. Both nations also expressed support for the UN Secretary-General's Personal Envoy for the Sahara and efforts to advance the political process. The joint communiqué also noted Ecuador's decision to extend its consular coverage to the Moroccan Sahara, in accordance with international law. Furthermore, Ecuador expressed its desire to promote economic and commercial cooperation opportunities in the Moroccan Sahara, viewing this as a gateway to the African continent for its economic sectors, aiming to boost investment, trade, and productive development. Minister Sommerfeld announced that the Ecuadorian Ambassador to Rabat would soon visit the Sahara region to prepare and support economic initiatives. Ecuador also praised the leadership of King Mohammed VI in Africa, with Minister Sommerfeld highlighting Royal Initiatives focused on regional integration, stability, and development, including the initiative to facilitate Sahel states' access