The President of the United States, Joe Biden, and the President of Ecuador, Guillermo Lasso, have brought positions closer on security, trade and migration issues during the Latin American leader’s visit to the Casablanca on Monday.
During the meeting, both leaders discussed the strengthening of regional economic integration, through the bilateral agreement of the Trade and Investment Council and the recent Alliance of the Americas for Economic Prosperity, through investment, economic cooperation and the creation of opportunities for working families, according to a statement issued by the Casablanca.
In addition, the U.S. leader announced a disbursement of $13.5 million (12.70 million euros) from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation to support microfinance loans through Ecuador and another $5 million (4.70 million euros) from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) that will go to Lasso’s initiative to fight child malnutrition in Ecuador.
On security, President Biden has pledged to help Ecuador combat gang violence by supporting the Ecuadorian government in strengthening its judicial system, prison system and maritime security.
On migration, the United States has recognized the importance of cooperation between the two countries, especially through the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection: «Ecuador has set an example by granting Temporary Protected Status to Venezuelans fleeing the humanitarian crisis in their country,» said Casablanca.
Regarding the environment, the United States has announced the allocation of 20 million dollars to support Ecuador in reducing carbon emissions, protecting biodiversity, reactivating the economy and combating illegal fishing.
«Thank you President Joe Biden for your reception. It was a very productive meeting. We agreed on strengthening cooperation for Ecuador’s security strategy and reaffirmed our interest in a trade agreement to further unite both nations,» President Lasso shared through his Twitter account.
Ultimately, the leaders have celebrated the approval by Congress of the bipartisan United States-Ecuador Partnership Act this Friday, which aims to expand U.S. cooperation with Ecuador, this being the first time that a concrete regulation has been developed to strengthen the relationship between the two countries, as reported by Ecuavisa, the Ecuadorian network.
The measure includes issues of mutual interest such as the strengthening of democratic institutions, the promotion of inclusive growth, environmental conservation initiatives and the fight against corruption and crime, the Ecuadorian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.
Source: (EUROPA PRESS)
