New Cooperation Agreements between the United States and Ecuador
During the May 22-23 visit of Under Secretary for Political Affairs David Hale to Ecuador, the United States and Ecuador agreed to expanded cooperation to advance mutual interests in democracy, prosperity, and security.
- Cultural Patrimony Agreement: The United States and Ecuador signed a memorandum of understanding to restrict the importation of certain archaeological material belonging to Ecuador into the United States, and to facilitate the return of archaeological objects designated by the Government of Ecuador.
- Agreement to Fight Narcotrafficking and Transnational Crime: Ecuador and the United States signed an agreement that provides a framework for counternarcotics cooperation funded by the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL). The United States announced an additional $7 million in INL funding to implement this program of capacity-building and technical assistance to strengthen Ecuador’s criminal justice and law enforcement capabilities to fight narcotrafficking and transnational crime.
- Security Cooperation Agreement: Ecuador and the United States signed an agreement to facilitate information sharing on suspect travelers.
- Education Agreement between the Peace Corps and Ministry of Education: Peace Corps Ecuador and the Ministry of Education signed a memorandum of understanding to support the teaching of English as a foreign language. The memorandum will facilitate the interest in and the learning of English through innovative teaching methods. The Peace Corps also announced the number of Peace Corps Volunteers would be increased by 50 over the next three years to support the teaching of English in more communities throughout Ecuador.
- Reopening of USTDA Program: The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) announced the reopening of its program in Ecuador to support priority infrastructure projects in the transportation, energy, telecommunications and water sectors, as well as increase export opportunities for U.S. companies. USTDA has not been active in Ecuador since 2005.
- OPIC Agreement with Banco Pichincha: The U.S. Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) and Banco Pichincha signed an agreement by which OPIC will guarantee $150 million in financing to increase mortgage loans for affordable housing in Ecuador.
