U.S. ambassador likes the changes in Ecuador policy, looks for for more cooperation with U.S.

U.S. ambassador to Ecuador Todd Chapman says changes in Ecuador’s economic and foreign policies opens the door for new avenues of cooperation with the U.S. Chapman made the comments last week when he hosted a delegation of 13 U.S. congressmen in Quito, introducing them to Ecuadorian officials.

U.S. Ambassador Todd Chapman, second from left, with Ecuadorian government ministers. (El Comercio)

“I’m very encouraged about new opportunities to strengthen bilateral relations between Ecuador and the U.S.,” the ambassador said.

Chapman and the U.S. congressmen met with Ecuador’s ministers of industries, finance, foreign trade and agriculture Friday in Quito before flying off to the Galapagos Islands.

“We are working to create new opportunities in the relationship between the United States and Ecuador, and the visit of the congressmen is important in building that relationship,” Chapman said. “The Ecuadorian ministers we talked to provided the necessary background to the congressmen to begin joint initiatives between our countries.”

Chapman said that discussions were broad-based and did not focus on specific projects. “The discussions were based on mutual national interests and building a foundation for pursuing future goals. We were very pleased with the message we received from President (Lenin) Moreno, as well as from the ministers who took the time to talk to us.”

Chapman applauded recent moves by the Ecuadorian government he says will result in strengthened the bonds between the two countries. “The move to fight drug trafficking on the border, the new Open Skies program for international travel and changes in economic policy are all very encouraging and open the door to future cooperation.”