President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. met today with President Guillermo Lasso of Ecuador at the White House to discuss deepening the economic and security partnership between the United States and Ecuador.
The leaders discussed strengthening regional economic integration through the bilateral Trade and Investment Council Agreement, as well as the Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity initiative, by promoting investment, deepening economic cooperation, establishing high standards for labor and the environment, and providing opportunities for working families. As a part of the visit, the President announced a $13.5 million disbursement from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation to support microfinance loans through Ecuador, including women-led and owned businesses, as well as the intent to provide $5 million from USAID in support of President Lasso’s initiative to address child malnutrition in Ecuador by improving sanitation and access to clear water in rural areas. In recognition of Ecuador’s commitment to make its public procurement practices more fair, open, and transparent, the United States invited Ecuador to be one of just 16 global partners in the Global Procurement Initiative led by the United States Trade and Development Agency. This initiative will facilitate the development of high-quality, resilient infrastructure through training for Ecuador’s public procurement officials.
The leaders also agreed to deepen security cooperation focused on helping Ecuador combat gang violence by supporting the government’s efforts to strengthen its justice sector, prison system, and maritime security. Additionally, the leaders discussed the importance of regional migration cooperation, including through the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection. Ecuador has set the example by granting Temporary Protected Status to Venezuelans fleeing the humanitarian crisis in their country. The United States supported a $530 million loan from the Global Concessional Financing Facility to promote inclusive, resilient, and low-carbon development and to support Ecuador’s efforts to integrate Venezuelan migrants and refugees. The United States also announced $20 million to support Ecuador in reducing carbon emissions, protecting biodiversity, reactivating the economy, and addressing the challenge of Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing. During the meeting, the Presidents committed to continuing to work together to address regional migration challenges and climate change.
During the meeting, President Biden and President Lasso also committed to close collaboration as Ecuador prepares to begin a two-year term on the United Nations Security Council. President Biden recognized President Lasso’s principled leadership on global issues, including his condemnation of Russia’s brutal war against Ukraine. Finally, the leaders welcomed congressional approval of the bipartisan United States-Ecuador Partnership Act of 2022 to expand the United States’ cooperation with Ecuador on strengthening democratic institutions, promoting inclusive economic growth, and supporting environmental conservation, among other issues.
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