Rubio says the U.S. and Ecuador share a ‘common agenda,’ promises help combatting criminal groups

United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio concluded meetings with President Daniel Noboa and other government officials on Thursday, calling Ecuador the U.S.’ “greatest ally in Latin America.” He said “major announcements of cooperation” on security and trade are forthcoming.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and President Daniel Noboa shake hands before Thursday’s meetings at the presidential palace in Quito.

Prior to his meeting with Noboa, Rubio announced that the U.S. has declared Ecuadorian criminal gangs Los Lobos and Los Choneros terrorist groups. According to the U.S. State Department, the designation gives the government special authorization to seize U.S.-held assets of gang leaders and members.

“We recognize the burden Ecuador carries in its fight against organized criminal groups and how much it affects its citizens and its economy,” Rubio said. “This designation by the U.S. provides additional tools to help restore order.”

Following his morning meeting with Noboa, Rubio said the U.S. will immediately provide Ecuador $19 million for the purchase of monitoring equipment, including drones, to track the transport of illegal drugs from Colombia to ports in Ecuador.

Rubio also said the U.S. would provide support to combat illegal mining. “This is a growing problem in Ecuador and throughout South America,” Rubio said. “Drug cartels and gangs are expanding their operations into gold and silver mines, causing economic and environmental damage.”

Without providing details, Rubio said the 15% export tariff on Ecuadorian goods will be reduced or eliminated. “There will be a positive announcement about this very soon,” he said. He added that a comprehensive trade agreement between the U.S. and Ecuador, stalled for years over technical issues, will be “favorably resolved” in the coming months.

According to Noboa, one of the pending “major announcements” Rubio referred to involves direct U.S. military assistance to combat the international drug trade. “As you know, the citizens of Ecuador must first vote on the question to allow foreign military installations in the country,” he said. “I am confident this will be supported in the upcoming referendum and then we can announce plans for the next steps.”

In his closing statement, Rubio praised Noboa and the Ecuadorian government for its cooperation with the U.S. “Never have Ecuador and the United States been so closely aligned on a common agenda,” Rubio said. “This positive relationship is critically important in combatting and defeating international crime.”