Latest news with #Sommerfeld
Maroc
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Maroc
Ecuador Inaugurates Its Embassy in Rabat
Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, and Ecuadorian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility, Gabriela Sommerfeld, inaugurated the Embassy of the Republic of Ecuador in Rabat on Friday. In an address delivered during the ceremony, Bourita said the inauguration follows Ecuador's historic decision to sever all ties with the so-called 'sadr' on October 22, 2024, and to further strengthen its relations with the Kingdom of Morocco. He highlighted that Morocco is home to 165 diplomatic missions, including 50 representations of international organizations. With 14 Latin American embassies now established in Rabat, Morocco is well-positioned to serve as a 'bridge' between Latin America and Africa, offering unique advantages—cultural, geographic, and strategic. This growing diplomatic presence, he added, reflects the importance Morocco attaches to its ties with Latin America within the framework of its foreign policy. The emerging 'win-win' partnership between Morocco and Ecuador aims to set an example of effective and solidarity-based South-South cooperation, Bourita stressed, emphasizing that the two countries are committed to expanding cooperation across multiple sectors, aspiring to build a strong and dynamic South-South partnership that serves the shared interests of their peoples. On this occasion, Bourita also congratulated the Government of Ecuador on the appointment of an ambassador to lead its diplomatic mission in Morocco. For her part, Sommerfeld stated that the opening of the embassy marks the beginning of a new era of dynamism in Morocco-Ecuador cooperation. She reaffirmed her country's commitment to deepening bilateral relations, strengthening ties across strategic sectors, and facilitating the exchange of expertise in various fields. She pointed out that this is Ecuador's first diplomatic mission in the Maghreb region. Sommerfeld added that the embassy in Rabat is intended to serve as a 'gateway to African markets' and reflects her government's determination to elevate bilateral cooperation with Morocco. The inauguration took place following talks between Bourita and Sommerfeld, during which the Ecuadorian foreign minister reiterated her country's support for the Autonomy Initiative presented by Morocco in 2007, which Ecuador views as the basis for a lasting solution to this regional dispute. MAP: 04 July 2025
Ya Biladi
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Ecuador backs autonomy plan for the Sahara, to open embassy in Morocco
During an official visit to Rabat on Friday, Ecuador expressed its support for Morocco's autonomy plan as «the basis for resolving the regional dispute» over the Sahara. Ecuadorian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility, Gabriela Sommerfeld, highlighted «the importance of the Moroccan initiative as a realistic, viable, and credible path toward a definitive resolution, grounded in the commitment of all parties to end this long-standing issue». The Ecuadorian official also reiterated Quito's intention to work «hand in hand with the UN Secretary-General (...) in a more effective and coherent manner to address today's complex global challenges». This marks a new step in the growing ties between Morocco and Ecuador, following Ecuador's decision in October 2024 to withdraw its recognition of the Polisario Front. Speaking at a joint press conference with Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Abroad, Nasser Bourita, Sommerfeld announced the forthcoming opening of Ecuador's embassy in Rabat. On that occasion, she reaffirmed her country's commitment to deepening bilateral ties «within a framework of mutual respect and sovereignty». «Our cooperative relationship is founded on shared principles, peaceful coexistence, democracy, good governance, solidarity, transparency, human rights, and international humanitarian law, as well as a rejection of unilateral sanctions», Sommerfeld said. In response, Nasser Bourita confirmed that Morocco will soon open a diplomatic office in Quito, with the goal of eventually upgrading it to a full embassy. He also announced that both countries have agreed to strengthen cooperation in areas such as security, intelligence, and the joint fight against terrorism and drug trafficking. Broader Strategic Partnership Minister Bourita welcomed Ecuador's support for Morocco's autonomy proposal and praised Quito's «courageous efforts in combating transnational and organized crime, particularly international drug trafficking», as well as its commitment to regional and global peace. He emphasized Morocco's support for «all initiatives undertaken by Ecuador as part of its sovereign political will to tackle transnational threats», including actions taken within global and UN frameworks. Both countries agreed on the importance of coordination in these areas. The two ministers concluded their meeting with the signing of two memorandums of understanding. The first focuses on supporting political dialogue and coordination on international issues, while the second aims to enhance economic and trade cooperation, including initiatives related to food security. As part of this new partnership framework, Ecuadorian citizens will soon be able to submit pre-entry declarations electronically for travel to Morocco, bypassing the traditional visa application process. This measure is one of several steps aimed at strengthening economic ties, especially in tourism and investment, between the two nations.
Morocco World
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Ecuador Opens First Embassy in Morocco, Marks New Era in Bilateral Ties
Rabat – Ecuador officially opened its first embassy in Morocco on Friday, marking a new chapter in the growing relationship between the two countries. The opening of the embassy comes after Ecuador's decision in October 2024 to cut all ties with the self-styled 'Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic' and strengthen its diplomatic ties with Morocco, notably backing the Moroccan position on the Western Sahara conflict. The ceremony was attended by Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Gabriela Sommerfeld. Morocco now hosts 165 diplomatic missions, including 50 from international organizations, Bourita said. He noted that 14 Latin American embassies are based in Rabat, arguing that this positions Morocco as a bridge between Latin America and Africa. Moroccan FM Nasser Bourita speaking at the inauguration of the embassy Bourita spoke of the strategic importance Morocco places on its relations with Latin America, saying the partnership with Ecuador reflects a 'win-win' South-South cooperation model. The two countries, he added, aim to work together across many fields to benefit both nations and their people. He also commended Ecuador for appointing an ambassador to lead the new diplomatic mission in Rabat. Meanwhile, Sommerfeld described the embassy opening as the start of a new dynamic in Ecuador-Morocco relations. She expressed her country's commitment to deepening ties in key sectors and sharing expertise in different areas. Sommerfeld noted that this is Ecuador's first embassy in the Maghreb region and said it could serve as a 'gateway to African markets.' The embassy opening followed a meeting between Bourita and Sommerfeld, during which the Ecuadorian minister confirmed her country's support for Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara. Ecuador considers the 2007 Moroccan proposal as the basis for a lasting political solution to the conflict.
Ya Biladi
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Ecuador backs autonomy plan for the Sahara, to open embassy in Morocco
During an official visit to Rabat on Friday, Ecuador expressed its support for Morocco's autonomy plan as «the basis for resolving the regional dispute» over the Sahara. Ecuadorian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility, Gabriela Sommerfeld, highlighted «the importance of the Moroccan initiative as a realistic, viable, and credible path toward a definitive resolution, grounded in the commitment of all parties to end this long-standing issue». The Ecuadorian official also reiterated Quito's intention to work «hand in hand with the UN Secretary-General (...) in a more effective and coherent manner to address today's complex global challenges». This marks a new step in the growing ties between Morocco and Ecuador, following Ecuador's decision in October 2024 to withdraw its recognition of the Polisario Front. Speaking at a joint press conference with Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Abroad, Nasser Bourita, Sommerfeld announced the forthcoming opening of Ecuador's embassy in Rabat. On that occasion, she reaffirmed her country's commitment to deepening bilateral ties «within a framework of mutual respect and sovereignty». «Our cooperative relationship is founded on shared principles, peaceful coexistence, democracy, good governance, solidarity, transparency, human rights, and international humanitarian law, as well as a rejection of unilateral sanctions», Sommerfeld said. In response, Nasser Bourita confirmed that Morocco will soon open a diplomatic office in Quito, with the goal of eventually upgrading it to a full embassy. He also announced that both countries have agreed to strengthen cooperation in areas such as security, intelligence, and the joint fight against terrorism and drug trafficking. Broader Strategic Partnership Minister Bourita welcomed Ecuador's support for Morocco's autonomy proposal and praised Quito's «courageous efforts in combating transnational and organized crime, particularly international drug trafficking», as well as its commitment to regional and global peace. He emphasized Morocco's support for «all initiatives undertaken by Ecuador as part of its sovereign political will to tackle transnational threats», including actions taken within global and UN frameworks. Both countries agreed on the importance of coordination in these areas. The two ministers concluded their meeting with the signing of two memorandums of understanding. The first focuses on supporting political dialogue and coordination on international issues, while the second aims to enhance economic and trade cooperation, including initiatives related to food security. As part of this new partnership framework, Ecuadorian citizens will soon be able to submit pre-entry declarations electronically for travel to Morocco, bypassing the traditional visa application process. This measure is one of several steps aimed at strengthening economic ties, especially in tourism and investment, between the two nations.
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
You have a problem with your credit card issuer. What can you do?
Robb Sommerfeld used a popular business credit card to help manage finances at National Center for Craftmanship (NCC), a nonprofit where he serves as an executive director — until the bank suddenly closed the account. The sudden account closure put Sommerfeld and his organization in a tough spot, as the credit card played a key role in the regular payment of vendors. Sommerfeld spent nine hours in total talking to multiple people at the bank, over the phone and in person. The account was closed due to what he believed was no error of his own. When he was able to get the account reopened, he discovered a new (and lower) credit limit. He was unable to get the issuer to restore the credit limit he'd had before the account was closed, which he said left him scrambling for funds on expenses he previously used the card to cover. As Sommerfeld and many others know, it can be extremely frustrating to feel stuck in a customer service loop trying to get your credit card company to satisfactorily address a problem or concern. I wanted to learn what to do in such situations and spoke with Chi Chi Wu, senior attorney at the National Consumer Law Center. Here's what you can do if you find yourself stuck at an impasse with your credit card issuer. Sommerfeld was approved for a business credit card in January 2023 for his nonprofit. The organization, located in Greeley, Colorado, provides training through programs like Deconstruct, which teaches high-school students construction by taking down buildings. The nonprofit depended on the credit card to pay the vendors removing the materials. The organization then would get paid by the client or receive a grant from the state to pay off the card. Sommerfeld worked hard to maintain a good relationship with the issuer and increase the credit limit, which started at under $5,000 and grew to $18,000 in about five months. Then, in September 2023, the bank suddenly closed the account. After multiple conversations with the issuer's account services, Sommerfeld found that the nonprofit's name on the account had been changed to the NCC's website address. No one could explain how this change had occurred. 'Over the whole course of this ordeal, I was keeping track of… how many people I had to talk to, and that came up to 16 different people,' Sommerfeld says. The bank declined to correct the name on the account and suggested Sommerfeld reapply for the card. He did. Unfortunately, the credit limit from the old account hadn't been transferred over — another thing the issuer declined to do. There unfortunately might be little that a credit card holder can do in situations like Sommerfeld's, according to Wu. It's at the bank's discretion whether it continues to provide you with an open line of credit. Unless the account is shut down for an illegal reason, such as discrimination, you don't really have the 'right' to keep it open. Under federal law, you also have legal protections against: Unauthorized use, such as when somebody steals your credit card or uses your credit card number without your permission; Billing errors, such as when you never receive the product or service you purchase or get charged the wrong amount; Charges for low-quality or faulty items (under certain conditions). If your issue doesn't fit any of these scenarios, you may have limited options for support. The CFPB is a government agency that oversees the consumer finance industry with the goal of protecting everyday Americans from unfair, deceptive and abusive practices. The CFPB has provided helpful recourse for cardholders who experience a range of issues with their cards and accounts. In 2023 alone, the bureau received 70,000 credit card complaints — a 38-percent jump from 2022. Unfortunately, the CFPB's ability to continue helping consumers is recently under question, as the Trump administration has sought to diminish it along with many other government agencies. The agency's portal for submitting complaints is still operational, but it's not clear whether complaints are being processed. After all, the contract with the vendors who managed the consumer response function was canceled, according to Wu. 'It's nuts,' Wu says. 'I can't tell you exactly what's going to happen or how to proceed, because the Trump administration has gutted the most important consumer protection agency for credit cards.' If you're trying to resolve the problem with your issuer, and it's refusing to help you, there are a few solutions you can consider. If you dispute something on your credit card bill, and your credit card issuer finds there's no error after an investigation, you can appeal the decision. You can do so within the period the issuer gives you for payment or 10 days of getting the explanation, whichever is later according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). To appeal, write to the issuer explaining that you won't pay because you want to continue disputing the billing error. Note, however, that at this point, the issuer can send your account to collections and report it as delinquent, with a note that you're disputing the error. When exercising your legal rights with the issuer doesn't go anywhere, you can report it to the FTC. The agency itself doesn't resolve consumers' complaints. It shares your report with more than 2,800 law enforcers who can use it to bring cases against fraud and poor business practices. Certain states have their own agencies that protect consumers. This might be another avenue for you to explore. For example, Californians can reach out to the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI). The agency investigates claims of abuse against financial service providers, such as banks, credit unions, nonbank lenders and others. The DFPI also has a portal that allows California residents to submit a complaint. Another example is the Department of Financial Services in New York, which regulates banks and financial institutions, among other types of organizations. The agency's website provides an online Consumer Complaint Form. Alternatively, you can reach out to your state's attorney general. Check their website to see how to go about filing a complaint in this case. If you're in a dire situation and believe your card issuer has broken the law, you can see if an attorney will take your case. Consumer protection attorneys provide defense for clients experiencing losses from companies' deceptive or unlawful practices. They work on a contingency basis, meaning they get paid only if they win or settle. In many cases, if the defendant loses, they're responsible for the plaintiff's legal fees. When Sommerfeld realized his bank wouldn't restore his original credit limit, he contacted a different issuer. The new issuer gave him a credit limit of $10,000, which within weeks increased to $18,000. It should go without saying that you don't have to stay with a financial provider that has wronged you. Sometimes, the easiest solution is to take your business elsewhere. When your credit card issuer lets you down and provides no help, it can be incredibly stressful. And with the matter of the CFPB's existence in flux, where do you go for help? It's a vulnerable position to be in, but you still have options you can explore. And don't forget: your relationship with your financial institutions is a two-way street. There are plenty of excellent credit cards to choose from. 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