Daniel Noboa awards Kristi Noem and reinforces security alliance

President Daniel Noboa awarded the National Order of Merit in the rank of Grand Cross to Kristi Noem, a security envoy from the United States. The award was made official by Executive Decree 337 signed on March 25, 2026

The recognition highlights Noem's trajectory and his role in strengthening cooperation between Ecuador and the United States. International coordination in security is positioned as a key axis of the Noboa government

The U.S. official is in Ecuador to advance the implementation of the Shield of the Americas. This regional initiative seeks to combat narco-terrorism through coordination between countries on the continent.

Noboa decorated Kristi Noem at the Carondelet Palace

The project brings together twelve nations and had its first official meeting on March 7, 2026 in Florida. Ecuador is actively participating in this strategic cooperation scheme in security.

So far, authorities have not detailed Noem's official agenda in the country. This secrecy is maintained both by the Presidency and by the Chancellery

The award comes in a context in which Ecuador seeks to strengthen international alliances to face threats from organized crime. Cooperation with the United States is consolidated as a central part of this strategy