In a recent ceremony at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, officials from the United States and Ecuador extended their cooperation agreement for another decade. The focus of this collaboration is to enhance law enforcement and justice sector capabilities in combating transnational organized crime and improving security for Ecuadorian citizens.
The event was attended by U.S. Ambassador to Ecuador Michael J. Fitzpatrick and Ecuador's Minister of Foreign Affairs Gustavo Manrique. Both parties signed a letter of agreement that ensures continued efforts against drug trafficking, corruption, and other transnational crimes. This will include training and equipping law enforcement and justice officials over the next ten years.
Ambassador Fitzpatrick emphasized the importance of this partnership: “Now more than ever, the United States stands with Ecuador in the fight against organized crime and the pursuit of justice. We are committed to our security and justice sector partnership with Ecuador: today, tomorrow, and for as long as it takes to mitigate the urgent threats our countries and peoples face. Estamos Unidos.”
The original agreement was established in 2002, outlining collaborative initiatives led by the United States Department of State through its embassy in Ecuador.