The governments of the United States and Ecuador signed on Wednesday a bilateral agreement aimed at strengthening the joint fight against international organized crime and the expansion of trade relations between the two countries.
Specifically, the President of Ecuador, Guillermo Lasso, and the Under Secretary for Political Affairs of the U.S. Department of State, Victoria Nuland, met in Quito to discuss the state of the bilateral relationship and the international agenda, reaffirming Washington’s support for democracy in Ecuador.
«The United States and Ecuador enjoy a strong and strategic relationship based on shared goals and values related to democracy, security, Human Rights (…). The countries discussed mutual objectives to advance a positive global agenda during Ecuador’s non-permanent term on the UN Security Council beginning in 2023,» reads a statement released by the U.S. State Department.
Delegations from both countries stressed the «need» to combat international organized crime, cooperate on counter-narcotics operations and increase security in the region.
In this regard, the United States has recognized Ecuador’s achievements in drug interdiction and destruction and has pledged to continue its support for the Latin American country.
In addition, Washington will continue to support Ecuador’s policies that facilitate migrants’ access to basic services, including health and education.
As such, Ecuador and the United States have noted the need for migration policies that promote «safe, orderly and regular migration while maintaining border security».
