1. How would you describe the current state of diplomatic relations between Ecuador and South Africa?

A good, cordial, and very constructive relationship prevails, based on shared interests, mutual respect, and reciprocal consideration of our respective positions in the international arena. We work together to strengthen all aspects of the bilateral relationship and share common ground in many multilateral forums.

2. In which areas do you see the greatest potential for strengthening bilateral cooperation in the coming years?

Undoubtedly, this is evident in the diplomatic relationship itself, as demonstrated by the preparations we are undertaking for a new round of bilateral consultations between our two countries. The agenda will encompass all aspects of interaction between our two nations and will establish a roadmap for developing the various areas that connect Ecuadorians and South Africans, both in the public and private sectors. This will allow us to delve deeper into areas currently under development, but also to explore lesser-known areas where we can identify and enhance valuable synergies for both parties. Furthermore, I believe that Ecuador and South Africa share several commonalities, based on shared characteristics but also on needs, problems, and challenges that are common to both countries. I am thinking particularly of security and the fight against transnational organized crime, of which both Ecuador and South Africa are victims, and for which serious and extensive international cooperation is essential. This is an area in which we can learn from and support each other in many ways and to varying degrees.

3. Trade between Ecuador and South Africa has been growing steadily. Which key sectors are currently driving this relationship?

There has indeed been an increase in Ecuadorian exports to South Africa, and it is becoming increasingly common to see Ecuadorian products on the shelves and counters of South African markets. Shrimp and bananas stand out, both products of which Ecuador is the world’s largest exporter, as well as mining products. Other notable exports include wood, cacao, especially fine aroma cacao, and its derivatives, including Ecuadorian chocolate, which is increasingly appreciated and valued worldwide. Seafood products, mainly tuna, and its derivatives, such as canned fish, fishmeal, and other shellfish, are also significant. There has also been growth in the export of flowers, leather goods, plastic and rubber products, vegetable oil, and exotic and tropical fruits, although not in large volumes. Exports of the famous toquilla straw hat (known as a Panama hat, but actually handmade in Ecuador) and certain manufactured goods, as well as medicines and medical supplies, are also increasing.

4. What opportunities exist for South African companies looking to invest in or partner with Ecuador, particularly in agro-processing, logistics, or renewable energy?

For all these sectors and industries, there is ample room for investment and development in Ecuador. As we have just seen, several of the main export products are basic agricultural and fishing commodities, areas where South African technology and expertise would have a significant advantage and opportunity. The same can be said of logistics and renewable energy. In this latter area, Ecuador has been a leader in the region with several pioneering projects for many years. There are highly advanced projects from the Galapagos Islands to the Amazon region, inspired by and based on environmentally friendly and respectful approaches. I believe that, given the development of South African industry and technology in this field, it could provide assistance and cooperation to Ecuador, especially in the use of solar, wind, and geothermal energy, which find a privileged location in Ecuador for their development and enhancement.

5. Could food diplomacy play a stronger role in promoting Ecuador’s national brand and exports across the African continent?

Of course, just as Ecuador has already begun to do in other countries, with campaigns to introduce foreign palates to the tastes and flavors of Ecuadorian cuisine. Although less well-known than that of other countries in the region, Ecuadorian gastronomy holds many secrets and boasts a diversity rarely found elsewhere. While still in its early stages, it has gained considerable recognition, and the aromas and flavors of Ecuador have been gradually disseminated around the world, with South Africa being no exception. Interestingly, gastronomy goes hand in hand with several of the country’s emblematic export products, such as shrimp with the famous ceviche, or bananas with “bolones de verde” soup or “tigrillo” (plantain-based dish). Last year, the Ecuadorian Embassy was able to offer small but significant demonstrations of the country’s culinary art and traditions. The most revealing aspect was the strong identity and similarity found between the dishes and preparation styles not only of South African cuisine but also of other African countries.

6. Ecuador offers extraordinary biodiversity, from the Amazon rainforest to the Galápagos Islands. How is Ecuador positioning itself as a tourism destination for South African travellers?

Indeed, like South Africa, Ecuador is one of the select 17 countries in the world considered megadiverse. This is because it harbors the highest number of species per square kilometer in the world, boasts a high diversity of ecosystems (coast, highlands, Amazon, and islands), possesses a vast number of endemic species (especially in the Galápagos Islands), and is recognized as one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. All of this makes Ecuador a “Destination Not to Be Missed,” as one of the country’s tourism campaign slogans states. This diversity, within such a small territory, makes it a privileged tourist destination that is very easy to explore and access. It not only favors traditional mass tourism but also ecotourism and cultural tourism, which are very important in Ecuador. Although the attraction remains strong and compelling, the distance between the two countries, the complicated connectivity between the two destinations, and the high cost mean that the flow of tourists is not as large and numerous as it could be. However, if the South African tourist’s final destination is South America, they shouldn’t hesitate to include Ecuador in their itinerary. They won’t be disappointed and will be pleasantly surprised and fulfilled.

7. What has been the most rewarding aspect of serving as Ecuador’s Ambassador to South Africa?

The most revealing and rewarding aspect has been the contact with South African reality, with its people, its complex and unique history, and the particular personal and collective characteristics that shape and define this society. This is a unique opportunity offered by the diplomatic service, one that is not common and doesn’t come around every day, allowing one to delve into the inner workings of this country without necessarily being a resident. It is one of the privileges of this profession, and to do so while serving, working, and contributing to our own country.

8. Finally, what message would you like to share with South Africans about Ecuador and the future of the partnership between our two countries?

One detail I’d like to highlight, and which I believe is not well understood in South Africa, is the presence of people of African descent in Ecuador. They are not very numerous, around 8% of the total population, but they are very much a part of contemporary Ecuadorian life and have great significance. This is true not only in the province of Esmeraldas, where they are the majority, but also in their contributions and proud presence throughout the country. I often mention, now that we are caught up in World Cup fever, that if you look at a picture of the Ecuadorian national football team, you would inevitably think it was an African team; it could pass for Bafana Bafana. But it is Ecuador, and this hypothetical misunderstanding leads us to reflect on how similar we are and how, despite the centuries and miles that separate us, we are closer than we might imagine, between South Africa and Ecuador. The first Afro-descendants in what is now Ecuador were never slaves in the Americas and were always free in their refuge in Esmeraldas, never enslaved. Their settlement, survival, and development over centuries was also an application of the Ubuntu principle, “I am because we are.” May the shared identity of this principle lead us to deepen and further strengthen the profound partnership we share between our peoples and our two countries.