The United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Ecuador on September 4 and met with President Daniel Noboa and Foreign Minister Gabriela Sommerfeld. The agenda included security, migration, judicial cooperation, and bilateral trade.
Rubio announced that his country designated Los Lobos and Los Choneros as terrorist groups, which will allow their assets to be frozen and strengthen shared intelligence. He also indicated that other criminal groups will receive the same designation in the coming weeks.
The official reported that the United States will provide USD 20 million in support, of which 13.5 million will be allocated to the fight against drug trafficking and 6 million to drones for the Ecuadorian Navy. He emphasized that without security, sustainable economic development is not possible.
Extradition and economic agreements
Migration and strategic cooperation
Sommerfeld explained that Ecuador will support the United States in the reception of deported migrants, although it will exercise a veto right over individuals who pose a risk. With this, the government seeks to balance international cooperation with national security.
Rubio did not rule out that the United States could reinstall a military base in Ecuador, recalling that in 2009 it was closed by decision of Rafael Correa. He noted that the country has a strategic location in the region, where drug trafficking grew under populist administrations.
Marco Rubio's visit consolidated United States support for Ecuador in security, justice, and the economy. International cooperation opens opportunities for stability that contrast with the vulnerabilities left by socialism and offers the country crucial support in the fight against organized crime.
