Bolivia-Morocco: Rabat and Dakhla at the Heart of a New Partnership

Bolivia Announces Diplomatic Representation in Morocco

On Wednesday, September 23, in New York, Bolivia announced its intention to open a diplomatic mission in Rabat and a commercial office in Dakhla. This announcement, formalized in a joint communiqué signed on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, represents a significant step towards strengthening ties between the two countries.

The document was signed by Nasser Bourita, the Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Abroad, and Héctor Francisco Huanca Gutiérrez, the Bolivian Minister of Foreign Affairs, following their discussions in New York.

Bolivia Supports Morocco’s Autonomy Proposal

In their joint communiqué, both nations reaffirm their commitment to respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, alongside the principle of non-interference in internal affairs.

Bolivia has also acknowledged Morocco’s autonomy proposal presented in 2007. According to the statement, this initiative "could serve as a pathway to advance negotiations towards a just, sustainable, and mutually acceptable political solution."

This stance comes amidst a context of strengthening diplomatic relations between Rabat and La Paz, all while the issue of the Moroccan Sahara remains a crucial topic in international discussions.

Dakhla: The Future Gateway for Bolivian Products in Africa

The announcement regarding the establishment of a Bolivian commercial office in Dakhla is a key economic element of the new agreement. The city is projected to play an increasingly vital role in trade with Africa, particularly with the development of the Dakhla Atlantic port.

Under construction since 2021 over an area of 1,650 hectares, approximately 40 kilometers north of Dakhla, the project represents an investment of 12.5 billion dirhams. It is expected to manage around 2.2 million tons of cargo and 950,000 tons of seafood in its initial years of operation.

The completion of the works is anticipated by the end of 2028, with the port scheduled to enter service in 2029.

For Bolivia, a landlocked country since the Pacific War, this infrastructure presents a new opportunity to enhance its trade relations with African markets.

Bolivian Urea at the Heart of Trade Exchanges

Economic cooperation may especially focus on the fertilizer sector. Bolivia produces granular urea through Yacimientos Petrolíferos Fiscales Bolivianos (YPFB), the state-owned hydrocarbon company, at its ammonia and urea plant in Bulo Bulo.

Between January and July 2026, Bolivian urea exports reached 250,400 tons, valued at $102.7 million, marking a 21% increase year-on-year.

In 2024, Bolivia exported 507,324 tons of urea, with 96% going to Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Peru, and Chile. Additionally, the two countries have different fertilizer production strengths: Bolivia specializes in nitrogen-based fertilizers, while Morocco has a well-developed phosphate fertilizer industry. This complementarity could facilitate the exploration of new avenues for cooperation.

Towards a Resumption of Political Dialogue

Rabat and La Paz have also decided to revive their mechanism for bilateral political consultations, established in 1999 but inactive for several years.

Both parties committed to deepening high-level political dialogue based on "political pragmatism, mutual respect, solidarity, and reciprocal interests."

Two additional agreements were signed in New York. The first eliminates visas for holders of diplomatic, official, service, and special passports. The second pertains to a memorandum of understanding between the diplomatic academies of the two countries.

Bolivia Ends Relations with the SADR

The rapprochement between Rabat and La Paz follows a significant shift in Bolivia’s stance on the Sahara issue.

On February 24, Bolivia announced the suspension of its diplomatic relations with the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) and ended official contacts with this entity.

This decision paved the way for a resumption of relations with Morocco and the establishment of resident diplomatic missions in both capitals. Agriculture, food security, fertilizers, and security are among the identified sectors for enhancing bilateral cooperation.

This shift also comes a few months after the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2797 on October 31, 2025.

A Rapprochement Beyond Diplomacy

The government of President Rodrigo Paz, who took office in November 2025, has modified a diplomatic position established in 1982. This decision, however, has faced internal criticism, particularly from former President Evo Morales, who has labeled it unilateral and contrary to constitutional principles and the diplomatic tradition of Bolivia.

The announcements from La Paz occur amid a diplomatic sequence characterized by several initiatives regarding Morocco during the current UN General Assembly session.

Chile signed, on September 21, terms of reference paving the way for negotiating a free trade agreement with Morocco and announced its intention to promote economic and commercial cooperation in the Sahara region. Jamaica has also expressed its support for Morocco’s autonomy proposal and acknowledged the adoption of Resolution 2797.

With the announced opening of a diplomatic representation in Rabat and a commercial office in Dakhla, Bolivia aims to give a concrete economic dimension to its rapprochement with Morocco and explore new opportunities for accessing African markets.