This decoration, awarded by video conference, comes in recognition of the efforts of Benchamach to strengthen bilateral and multilateral relations with parliaments of Latin American countries and the Caribbean in general.

On this occasion, Benchamach expressed his pride in this deeply symbolic award, noting the common values characterizing the relations between the two countries, which are based on frank political dialogue and action for the future.

The Upper House Speaker referred to the strategic importance that the Kingdom attributes, under the wise leadership of HM King Mohammed VI, to the diversification of its international partnerships, within the framework of South-South cooperation.

This is a strategic choice that stems from the Kingdom's deep understanding of international changes, Benchamach said, calling for the consolidation of such cooperation between the countries of the South and building on the spaces of joint cooperation, such as the "Africa-Latin America and the Caribbean" Parliamentary Forum, to defend their causes.

The Moroccan MP welcomed the positive positions of the National Assembly of Ecuador, especially its support for Morocco in its efforts to ensure stability and security in its regional environment, through its peaceful intervention to guarantee the freedom of civil and commercial traffic at the El-Guerguerat crossing.

This award reflects the depth of cooperation between the two countries, Benchamach added, calling for the establishment of an agenda and of a joint action plan with the National Assembly of Ecuador to frame and guide this cooperation to serve the interests of both countries.

For his part, José Serrano Salgado, President of the Morocco-Ecuador Friendship Group and Vice President of the Parliament of Latin America and the Caribbean, said in an address that this ceremony comes as gratitude and esteem for the continuous work, solid friendship and frank political dialogue between Morocco and Ecuador.

Parliaments are a fundamental pillar for the unity of the countries of the South, he noted, praising the action of the Moroccan Parliament and of the National Assembly of Ecuador, which have managed to build and develop, in less than two years, a solid relationship combined with a frank political dialogue and solid friendship.

The National Assembly of Ecuador has presented Abdelkader Salama, Vice President of the House of Advisors and member of the Morocco-Ecuador Friendship Group, and Ahmed Lakhrif, Secretary of the House and chairman of the group,

with certificates of esteem in recognition of their role in strengthening relations of cooperation and friendship between the two countries.

José Joaquín de Olmedo, whose name is given to the Medal of Merit and Esteem, is one of the greatest nationalist activists of Latin America and a patriotic poet who used his talent to serve the national causes of his country.

Known as the "poet of the war of independence," he was president of the Republic of Ecuador and vice-president of the Republic in 1845.