Starting Monday, January 22, a delegation including President Joe Biden’s Special Advisor on the Americas, Christopher Dodd, and the Commander of the United States Southern Command (Southcom), General Laura Richardson, will visit the country for meetings with Ecuadorian officials. .

That day they spoke with President Daniel Noboa and Foreign Minister Gabriela Sommerfeld on topics such as security, financing, investments and migration.

Security, financing, investments and migration were discussed during a meeting between US officials and the government of Daniel Noboa

Ecuadorian authorities told the US delegation that expanding access to markets for goods and services, as well as bringing new investments and financing to the country, is a priority for Ecuador, the chancellor said in brief statements to the press.

“These measures will ensure an ecosystem of prosperity that provides investment opportunities and job creation for the well-being and development of Ecuador,” said Sommerfeld, accompanied by the Ministers of Government, Mónica Palencia, and the Ministers of Defense, Giancarlo Loffredo.

From the Joe Biden administration, they announced that the discussions will focus on “the continued commitment to democratic values ​​and the rule of law, and on ways to deepen bilateral cooperation, including on security, anti-drug cooperation, migration and economic development.” .

The delivery of more than 20,000 body armor and more than $1 million in critical safety and emergency equipment, including ambulances and defense logistics support vehicles, was reportedly facilitated this week.

In the coming days, the FBI will also expand its staff to support law enforcement and prosecutors, and will deploy Department of Homeland Security personnel to train police and prosecutors, “provide additional support in digital forensic analysis and other critical matters”. analyzes to target gang members, drug trafficking networks and corrupt officials; and provide important training and technical assistance related to the protection of executive officers.”

Last Monday, an Antonov An-124 UR-82008 aircraft carrying military equipment arrived at Guayaquil airport from Puerto Rico. (JO)