Ecuador’s Minister of Foreign Relations and Human Mobility, Gabriela Sommerfeld, reiterated her country’s decision to suspend its recognition of the self-proclaimed “Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (RASD)” on Monday, highlighting the importance of the Moroccan Autonomy Plan for its Sahara region, first presented in 2007.
In a virtual meeting between Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita and Sommerfeld, she confirmed that Ecuador, a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2023-2024, officially suspended recognition of the so-called “RASD” on October 21, 2024.
This decision aligns with Ecuador’s commitment to the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-interference in the internal affairs of other states, according to Morocco’s Press Agency (MAP).
A joint statement issued after the meeting emphasized Ecuador’s support for a peaceful, sustainable solution to the regional dispute, exclusively through the UN-led political process.
Sommerfeld also reiterated Ecuador’s full support for UN Secretary-General António Guterres and his Personal Envoy in their efforts to resolve the issue, following the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
Furthermore, Sommerfeld highlighted the broad international support for Morocco’s 2007 Autonomy Plan as a realistic, peaceful solution based on compromise.
The two ministers agreed to continue their coordination within international organizations on issues of mutual interest, contributing to global peace, security, and development.