On his first visit to Ecuador as Secretary of State, Marco Rubio focused on the need for security in the face of the narcoterrorist threat. “You cannot have economic prosperity without stability, and you cannot have stability without security,” said Secretary Rubio. “[I]t’s nearly impossible to attract foreign investment into a country unless you have security.”
“And Ecuador is facing some substantial challenges that come from the exterior,” warned Secretary Rubio.
“These are narcoterrorist organizations that operate in the region who are using Ecuador as a transit zone. And that needs to be confronted, and they are confronting it. This government, this administration, is confronting it like it’s never been confronted before by any previous administration, and we want to help.”
In response, the United States has designated as terrorist organizations two groups that operate on Ecuadorian territory. One is Los Lobos and the other is Los Choneros, said Secretary Rubio.
“We’ve designated them as Foreign Terrorist Organizations, and that brings with it all sorts of options for the United States to work in conjunction with the government of Ecuador in the future to stamp these groups out.”
The United States will also provide $13.5 million to help Ecuador improve its ability to protect its citizens and combat drugs and crime. Another $6 million will go toward unmanned aerial vehicles for the navy in Ecuador, giving them domain awareness and the opportunity to better track narcoterrorists.
The United States looks to expand its relationship with Ecuador beyond the fight against narcoterrorism, said Secretary Rubio
“We also want to amplify; we want to grow an already existing and vibrant economic relationship. And so, we are hopeful here that in a couple of weeks we will reach agreement. We’re very close now on a trade agreement that we think will be incredibly beneficial to both of our economies.”
Secretary Rubio lauded Ecuadoran President Daniel Noboa’s willingness to take the fight to the narcoterrorists and the threat they pose to security. “When we see someone that’s willing to stand up, at great risk. . .we’re going to be 100 percent supportive,” said Secretary Rubio. “It’s the reason for my visit. . .it’s the reason why we’ll be working very closely with this government to achieve our mutual goals that benefit both the United States and the great people of Ecuador.”
Helping Ecuador Fight Narcoterrorists
- Policy Office
On his first visit to Ecuador as Secretary of State, Marco Rubio focused on the need for security in the face of the narcoterrorist threat. “You cannot have economic prosperity without stability, and you cannot have stability without security,” said Secretary Rubio.
