Blinken embarks on his first trip to South America as a secretary of state

Americas, News, US October 21, 2021 , by IRIA No Comments

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken began his first trip to South America after assuming office in a bid to strengthen ties with democratic partners in the region.

Ecuador and Colombia are both considered as two of the strongest democracies in the continent.

During his trip to South America, U.S. Secretary of State Blinken highlighted that at a time of rising violence, authoritarianism, and populism in the region, “vibrant and inclusive democracies that respect the rights of their citizens” are important for the development of the continent.

U.S. Secretary of State Blinken also held a meeting with Ecuador’s President Guillermo Lasso and Foreign Minister Mauricio Montalvo. Both sides discussed ways to strengthen democracy in the region and grow bilateral opportunities for trade and investment.

The officials of Ecuador and the U.S. also held discussions on combatting the climate crisis, respecting human rights, and countering irregular migration.

According to the U.S. State Department’s official statement, “Secretary Blinken and President Lasso also addressed ongoing efforts to confront regional security challenges.”

“Secretary Blinken reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to working with the international community to bring the COVID-19 pandemic to an end and thanked President Lasso for Ecuador’s support in addressing regional migration,” the statement added.

During his trip to South America, Secretary Blinken will also meet with Colombian President Iván Duque and Vice-President and Foreign Minister Marta Lucía Ramírez.