«Ecuador to Open Embassy in Morocco». This announcement was made by the Ecuadorian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement. This new diplomatic representation in Rabat aims to «strengthen bilateral relations, boost trade and investment, and promote cooperation in security, technology, and information». This project was discussed during a meeting between Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Gabriela Sommerfeld and her Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita, yesterday in Quito, on the eve of Daniel Noboa's new inauguration for a second term (2025-2029). In a statement to the press at Quito airport, the Moroccan Foreign Minister hailed «the historic moment in relations between the Kingdom and Ecuador», noting that «this is the first visit by a Moroccan Foreign Minister to Quito». Bourita added: «We wish to support His Excellency the President in his efforts to ensure the development and stability of his country.» It is worth recalling that in October 2024, Ecuador suspended its recognition of the «Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR)». Two months after this decision, Nasser Bourita held a meeting via videoconference with Gabriela Sommerfeld. In response to this decision, Algeria suspended its imports of bananas from this Andean country, causing a surge in the price of this product in the Algerian market. The lifting of this ban was the subject of a meeting in Quito between Ecuadorian Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Játiva and Algerian Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Sofiane Chaib. Ecuadorian Ministers of Production and Agriculture also participated in these discussions, according to Ecuadorian diplomacy. The ministry led by Ahmed Attaf has not yet communicated about this meeting. Meanwhile, Morocco is focusing on agriculture in its relations with Quito. «We have developed cooperation in the food sector, ensuring the supply of fertilizers. We have also increased our imports of bananas from Ecuador. We are strengthening the partnership between our ports», stated Nasser Bourita on Al Aoula's evening news.
