Five Ecuadorian banana exporters were notified over the weekend of phytosanitary restrictions by Russia, for having allegedly found fruit flies in some shipments, coinciding with moments of diplomatic tension between both countries following the Ecuadorian government’s decision to send disused Russian-Ukrainian military equipment to the United States.
A US mission was in Ecuador two weeks ago with the purpose of coordinating joint assistance to combat drug trafficking and organized crime, given the wave of violent actions that has plunged Ecuador into a climate of insecurity.
After the meetings, the United States delivered vehicles and communication equipment, among others, to Ecuador. In exchange, Ecuador sent the northern country military equipment of Russian-Ukrainian origin that, according to the South American president, was considered “scrap”.
What does Russia maintain regarding Ecuador’s decision?
The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, María Zajárova, in a statement released by the diplomatic mission of that country in Quito, pointed out that “our partners are fully aware of the provisions stipulated in the contracts, including the commitment to use the goods they acquire for the stated purposes and not to transfer them to third parties without obtaining the corresponding permission from the Russian side”.
He described “thoughtless” the Ecuadorian position.
How does Ecuador justify sending equipment to the US?
The Ecuadorian president, Daniel Noboa, heir to a banana magnate and in power since November of last year, stated that “We have verified that it is junk” and clarified that international conventions prevent the transport of war material, but, he clarified that “In this case, it is scrap”.
It was not disclosed what type of equipment was sent to the United States.
Regarding diplomatic tensions, Noboa added: “We are not going to cut relations with Russia”.
As part of the military cooperation agreements signed between Ecuador and the United States, it was established that the Russian-Ukrainian military equipment received by this Andean country would be delivered in exchange for 200 million dollars in military aid from the United States.
How is the gesture interpreted at the diplomatic level?
Analyst and professor at the University of British Columbia in Canada, Grace Jaramillo, told The Associated Press that “In the world of diplomacy it is better not to say anything, each of the words said has consequences, even more so when it comes to a small country like Ecuador facing a power.”.
He highlighted that “no power is willing to be humiliated“and retaliation could be seen coming after President Noboa’s statements”that went beyond the expected concepts”, especially on issues such as national security and diplomatic relations.
He added that cooperation with any country can be prioritized without the need to delegitimize others, but it is also necessary to remember that it is Ecuador that ultimately received military technology “and is the first and last responsible.”
Does it affect the trade relationship between Ecuador and Russia?
Coinciding with the tensions between both countries, the Federal Veterinary and Phytosanitary Control Service of the Russian Federation notified five important banana exporters from Ecuador of an alleged non-compliance with phytosanitary standards, after allegedly finding a pest—of fruit flies—in cargoes.
Although the Ecuadorian Banana Marketing and Export Association assured that they have not received official notification on the issue, they noted that the “news is on the website of this phytosanitary entity”Russian, after which an urgent meeting with the organization has been requested.
Russia represents 20% of Ecuador’s export destination and in 2023 it was the first buyer of bananas with 72 million boxes annually, according to figures from the Banana Marketing and Export Association.
“It is very important, there is no market that meets that demand”said Richard Salazar, executive director of the Banana Marketing and Export Association.
What is the reaction of banana exporters?
The restriction on the five companies comes into effect from Monday and affects the companies Agzulasa, Don Carlos Fruit, Agroaerero Fruit Export, Agricultural Production Association of El Oro (Asoproagroro) and Comersur.
Salazar expressed that exports to Russia are maintained except with five companies of the more than 20 that ship bananas to that country and indicated that the matter will be addressed “technique” through official channels.
“We export all over the world and the phytosanitary protocols are super demanding.”, he asserted.
Source: Gestion
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