Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the U.S. Representative to the United Nations, is set to visit Ecuador and Costa Rica from March 29 to 31. Her visit aims to emphasize the significance of multilateralism in promoting regional peace and security. During her trip, she will focus on shared priorities such as strengthening democratic institutions, enhancing youth participation in democratic processes, and addressing the humanitarian needs of refugees and asylum seekers.
On March 29, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield plans to meet with senior officials from the Ecuadorian government. She will participate in a public discussion with Foreign Minister Juan Carlos Holguin about shared multilateral priorities between the U.S. and Ecuador. This includes Ecuador's term as an elected member of the UN Security Council for 2023-2024. Additionally, she will meet with UN agencies and NGOs involved in refugee resettlement efforts in Ecuador, which currently hosts over half a million refugees and migrants. Engagements with civil society groups, including Afro-Ecuadorian youth, are also on her agenda.
The following day, March 30, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield will lead the U.S. delegation at the 2023 Democracy Summit in Costa Rica. This visit marks her return to Ecuador after leading the U.S. Government delegation for President Lasso's inauguration in May 2021.