WEBVTT 00:00.040 --> 00:02.096 Minister of Foreign Affairs in human 00:02.096 --> 00:05.700 mobility . Good afternoon 00:05.700 --> 00:09.130 everyone friends , gentlemen of the 00:09.140 --> 00:11.362 press . It's very pleased to be here in 00:11.362 --> 00:14.800 the Yellow hall to speak about this 00:14.800 --> 00:16.856 fruitful meeting that we have helped 00:16.856 --> 00:18.967 with the Secretary of State Mr antony 00:18.967 --> 00:21.440 Blinken and where we have uh boarded 00:21.450 --> 00:25.150 all aspects uh of the very rich , 00:25.150 --> 00:28.530 fruitful bilateral agenda has Ecuador 00:28.530 --> 00:30.752 with the United States President . So I 00:30.752 --> 00:34.030 said the opportunity to talk and share 00:34.030 --> 00:36.560 with Secretary of State's the main 00:36.570 --> 00:38.626 aspects of the relation between both 00:38.626 --> 00:42.030 countries identified great uh affinity 00:42.030 --> 00:45.980 and it's a little more aid in 00:45.980 --> 00:48.680 both in everything that has been said 00:48.680 --> 00:50.870 in the meeting this morning . I would 00:50.870 --> 00:53.550 like to highlight especially and thank 00:53.560 --> 00:57.280 uh to the government of 00:57.280 --> 00:59.336 Ecuador , the presence of Mr Blinken 00:59.336 --> 01:01.558 here and I would like to highlight that 01:01.558 --> 01:03.724 is the first vision that he's doing to 01:03.724 --> 01:05.836 South America . And he has started by 01:05.836 --> 01:09.460 Ecuador . What shows the importance and 01:09.460 --> 01:12.060 the attention that the United States 01:12.060 --> 01:14.060 and the administration of President 01:14.060 --> 01:16.370 biden is given to the presidency of 01:16.380 --> 01:19.280 President Guillermo Lasso and his 01:19.280 --> 01:21.390 position in this region and this 01:21.390 --> 01:24.260 hemisphere we do this 01:24.640 --> 01:26.807 recognition in particular because it's 01:26.807 --> 01:29.180 it's very important for us as a 01:29.180 --> 01:33.100 government , being our main partner , 01:33.110 --> 01:35.540 commercial partner with this country 01:35.540 --> 01:39.220 and with whom we have a very fruitful 01:39.230 --> 01:41.690 close relation and productive relations 01:41.700 --> 01:43.700 again , Mr Blinken , thank you very 01:43.700 --> 01:47.100 much for presidents and very happy to 01:47.100 --> 01:49.250 have you had the meeting that we have 01:49.250 --> 01:51.028 had this morning . Thank you Mr 01:51.028 --> 01:54.020 Secretary . Now we would like to have 01:54.020 --> 01:56.650 the Declaration of uh mr Blinken , 01:56.650 --> 01:58.460 secular state . Well , 02:00.800 --> 02:03.000 so thank you so much . Uh it's 02:03.010 --> 02:06.750 wonderful to be here in Ecuador . 02:06.760 --> 02:09.940 I am delighted to visit for the first 02:09.940 --> 02:12.750 time as as Secretary of State and I 02:12.750 --> 02:16.610 want to extend real appreciation and 02:16.610 --> 02:19.600 thanks to President Lasso and to 02:19.610 --> 02:21.666 Foreign Minister Montalvo retail for 02:21.666 --> 02:24.030 the extremely warm welcome , but also 02:24.040 --> 02:26.520 the extremely productive uh and lengthy 02:26.520 --> 02:29.650 session that we had over lunch . Um 02:30.440 --> 02:32.384 I have to tell you that the United 02:32.384 --> 02:36.220 States has great admiration for 02:36.230 --> 02:38.286 President Lasso , for the leadership 02:38.286 --> 02:40.390 that he's demonstrating both here in 02:40.390 --> 02:44.130 Ecuador and beyond his strong 02:44.130 --> 02:47.990 voice for democracy . His 02:47.990 --> 02:49.934 strong actions to demonstrate that 02:49.934 --> 02:51.760 democracy can deliver for the 02:51.760 --> 02:54.650 Ecuadorian people and for people beyond 02:54.650 --> 02:57.500 Ecuador is I think vitally important 02:57.500 --> 03:00.430 than nowhere was that more clear then 03:00.440 --> 03:03.800 in the remarkable work that the this 03:03.800 --> 03:06.710 administration did in dealing with with 03:06.710 --> 03:08.910 Covid 19 . But in so many other ways , 03:08.920 --> 03:10.976 uh we're working very , very closely 03:10.976 --> 03:14.050 together , I came to Ecuador 03:14.550 --> 03:16.772 simply because the United States values 03:17.080 --> 03:19.540 a partnership and we're committed to 03:19.540 --> 03:21.890 growing it . One of the very first 03:21.890 --> 03:23.779 consulates that the United States 03:23.900 --> 03:27.210 opened in the hemisphere was in like 03:28.340 --> 03:31.180 our diplomatic ties with Ecuador are 03:31.190 --> 03:33.680 some of the oldest that we have in the 03:33.680 --> 03:36.070 Americas . And today we are working 03:36.070 --> 03:38.450 closely on a vast array of issues 03:39.040 --> 03:42.890 simply because Ecuador the country and 03:42.890 --> 03:45.112 the Ecuadoran people stand on the front 03:45.112 --> 03:46.970 lines of many of the most urgent 03:46.970 --> 03:49.310 challenges that we face in this region 03:49.460 --> 03:52.830 and around the world , Covid 19 , as I 03:52.830 --> 03:55.840 mentioned , we know how hard it hit 03:55.850 --> 03:59.330 Ecuador early . But you turned it 03:59.330 --> 04:02.060 around and Ecuadorans have major 04:02.060 --> 04:04.620 vaccination campaign , one of the best 04:04.630 --> 04:07.770 executed in the world . Again , I want 04:07.770 --> 04:10.600 to commend President Lasso , his entire 04:10.600 --> 04:12.660 team and so many people across the 04:12.660 --> 04:15.730 country for making that happen under 04:15.740 --> 04:17.960 extremely challenging circumstances . 04:18.340 --> 04:20.910 Uh the United States was was proud to 04:20.910 --> 04:24.150 have helped and contributed with uh two 04:24.150 --> 04:27.490 million Pfizer vaccines as well as 04:27.490 --> 04:30.460 other significant assistance . We look 04:30.460 --> 04:32.571 forward to working together to defeat 04:32.571 --> 04:34.516 the pandemic in our hemisphere and 04:34.516 --> 04:36.682 around the world and to make sure that 04:36.682 --> 04:38.627 we're better prepared for the next 04:38.627 --> 04:40.682 pandemic because unfortunately there 04:40.682 --> 04:42.849 will almost certainly be one we have a 04:42.849 --> 04:44.793 lot of work to do As we get beyond 04:44.793 --> 04:46.793 COVID-19 to build a stronger global 04:46.793 --> 04:48.682 health system and we'll do that . 04:48.682 --> 04:51.010 Working together on the climate crisis . 04:51.540 --> 04:54.130 The other big existential challenge 04:54.130 --> 04:56.180 that we face , Ecuador , one of the 04:56.180 --> 04:58.069 world's most ecologically diverse 04:58.069 --> 05:02.000 countries , knows first hand the 05:02.000 --> 05:04.860 dangerous impact of climate change . 05:05.240 --> 05:07.600 You see rising temperature , you've 05:07.600 --> 05:09.600 seen melting glaciers , you've seen 05:09.600 --> 05:11.711 worsening droughts , you've seen more 05:11.711 --> 05:14.240 severe floods , uh becoming more 05:14.240 --> 05:16.700 climate resilient is a high priority . 05:16.700 --> 05:19.260 I know for uh President last offer 05:19.260 --> 05:21.900 Ecuador's leaders and for the 05:21.900 --> 05:23.678 Ecuadorian people and I want to 05:23.678 --> 05:26.240 recognize especially environmental 05:26.240 --> 05:28.073 activists , including those from 05:28.073 --> 05:30.296 indigenous communities who have led the 05:30.296 --> 05:31.962 charge to preserve Ecuador is 05:31.962 --> 05:33.962 remarkable biodiversity and natural 05:33.962 --> 05:35.650 resources . Um 05:37.340 --> 05:41.090 We selected Ecuador as one of the 05:41.100 --> 05:43.370 first partners in what we call the 05:43.370 --> 05:46.000 build a Better World program to make 05:46.010 --> 05:48.121 investments , particularly in climate 05:48.121 --> 05:50.288 resilient infrastructure projects with 05:50.288 --> 05:52.288 high environmental as well as labor 05:52.288 --> 05:54.621 standards . That's going to create jobs . 05:54.621 --> 05:56.343 Uh it's going to support local 05:56.343 --> 05:58.177 communities , it's going to make 05:58.177 --> 06:00.399 progress against the climate crisis all 06:00.399 --> 06:02.621 at the same time . We started our build 06:02.621 --> 06:04.621 back better world listening tour uh 06:04.621 --> 06:07.570 here in Ecuador just last month and 06:07.570 --> 06:09.737 we're grateful to all who participated 06:09.737 --> 06:12.490 in that effort on inclusive economic 06:12.490 --> 06:15.030 growth , which I know is front and 06:15.030 --> 06:18.110 center on President Lassos agenda at a 06:18.110 --> 06:19.999 time when so many communities are 06:19.999 --> 06:22.166 reeling from the economic consequences 06:22.166 --> 06:24.054 of the pandemic . We have to work 06:24.054 --> 06:26.332 together to rebuild the global economy , 06:26.332 --> 06:28.499 but in a way that delivers opportunity 06:28.499 --> 06:30.388 and benefits to as many people as 06:30.388 --> 06:32.554 possible , especially from communities 06:32.554 --> 06:34.666 that have been long underserved . And 06:34.666 --> 06:36.777 that's true in all of our countries . 06:36.777 --> 06:38.832 Uh We have a protocol on trade rules 06:38.832 --> 06:40.832 and transparency that our countries 06:40.832 --> 06:42.999 negotiated last year that just entered 06:42.999 --> 06:45.054 into force a few months ago and that 06:45.054 --> 06:46.999 will be instrumental in helping to 06:46.999 --> 06:49.110 deepen the trade relationship between 06:49.110 --> 06:50.943 us . We've also agreed to reopen 06:50.943 --> 06:53.166 negotiations on an open skies agreement 06:53.166 --> 06:53.140 which will promote more travel and 06:53.140 --> 06:55.850 trade between us and our countries work 06:55.850 --> 06:57.794 together closely through technical 06:57.794 --> 06:59.794 assistance programs to help address 06:59.794 --> 07:01.517 core economic issues like debt 07:01.517 --> 07:03.830 management to help set Ecuador on a 07:03.830 --> 07:07.380 staple economic path . Um There is a 07:07.380 --> 07:09.360 lot that we're already doing uh 07:09.370 --> 07:11.890 including investments uh and uh and 07:11.890 --> 07:13.723 loans to our Development Finance 07:13.723 --> 07:15.668 Corporation that are having a real 07:15.668 --> 07:18.460 impact already , uh including on jobs . 07:19.440 --> 07:21.920 We're in close consultation on another 07:21.920 --> 07:24.790 issue that is challenging everyone in 07:24.790 --> 07:26.734 the hemisphere and that's regional 07:26.734 --> 07:28.901 migration . Uh Ecuador is experiencing 07:28.901 --> 07:30.846 this issue firsthand , hundreds of 07:30.846 --> 07:32.901 thousands of Venezuelans uh settling 07:32.901 --> 07:34.846 here in recent years , the Foreign 07:34.846 --> 07:36.957 minister and I tomorrow uh will be in 07:36.957 --> 07:39.179 Colombia where we're together with most 07:39.179 --> 07:41.360 of our colleagues uh in the hemisphere 07:41.740 --> 07:44.060 to talk about what is so necessary 07:44.060 --> 07:46.050 right now . And that is a truly 07:46.050 --> 07:48.780 regional coordinated approach , a 07:48.780 --> 07:52.350 shared responsibility . Um I had 07:52.740 --> 07:56.430 um a chance to uh to raise this as 07:56.430 --> 08:00.050 well with with the president and 08:00.840 --> 08:03.920 uh I think are committed to finding 08:03.920 --> 08:07.050 those kind of solutions together as we 08:07.050 --> 08:09.760 work collaboratively on on the 08:09.760 --> 08:13.060 migration challenge . Um we talked as 08:13.060 --> 08:17.010 well about the exceptional uh measures 08:17.020 --> 08:20.060 that have been taken uh here in Ecuador 08:20.440 --> 08:23.500 uh to deal with uh the narco 08:23.500 --> 08:26.380 trafficking challenge and the violence 08:26.380 --> 08:28.860 and crime that is attendant with that . 08:29.840 --> 08:33.660 And uh we know that in democracies , 08:33.660 --> 08:35.810 there are times when uh with 08:35.810 --> 08:39.360 exceptional circumstances uh measures 08:39.360 --> 08:42.950 are necessary to deal with urgencies 08:42.950 --> 08:45.860 and urgent situations like the one uh 08:45.870 --> 08:49.480 Ecuador is experiencing now and as uh 08:49.490 --> 08:51.434 as I discussed with with President 08:51.434 --> 08:54.760 Lasso . Uh we uh we understand that 08:55.140 --> 08:58.050 uh support that , but no as well 08:58.440 --> 09:01.090 that these measures of course need to 09:01.090 --> 09:03.380 be taken pursuant uh to the 09:03.380 --> 09:06.150 constitution . Uh they need to be very 09:06.150 --> 09:08.870 focused uh in what they're seeking to 09:08.870 --> 09:11.510 achieve uh and finite and uh in 09:11.510 --> 09:15.220 duration uh and uh of course 09:15.230 --> 09:17.270 follow and proceed in a way that 09:17.270 --> 09:21.030 upholds uh democratic principles and in 09:21.030 --> 09:23.141 discussing this with President . Less 09:23.141 --> 09:25.197 so when we met uh he assured me that 09:25.197 --> 09:26.919 his government is committed to 09:26.919 --> 09:29.086 upholding all of those standards which 09:29.086 --> 09:31.030 are so important to the Ecuadorian 09:31.030 --> 09:33.440 people uh and to the democratic values . 09:33.450 --> 09:35.672 And I made clear that maintaining those 09:35.672 --> 09:37.783 standards is of course a priority for 09:37.783 --> 09:40.170 the United States . I want to commend 09:40.180 --> 09:42.200 Ecuador's courts together with the 09:42.210 --> 09:44.560 country's extremely vibrant uh and 09:44.560 --> 09:46.830 committed civil society for making very 09:46.830 --> 09:48.774 important strides in the past year 09:48.774 --> 09:50.886 toward expanding rights for women and 09:50.886 --> 09:52.997 girls and for L . G . B . T . Q . I . 09:52.997 --> 09:55.219 People in accordance with international 09:55.219 --> 09:55.150 and regional human rights standards . 09:55.540 --> 09:57.596 And I want to congratulate as well . 09:57.596 --> 09:59.651 The people of Ecuador unsuccessfully 09:59.651 --> 10:01.707 holding fair and free elections this 10:01.707 --> 10:03.429 spring despite the challenging 10:03.429 --> 10:07.360 conditions of COVID-19 um Ecuador in 10:07.360 --> 10:09.471 the United States have to continue to 10:09.471 --> 10:11.638 work together and with partners across 10:11.638 --> 10:13.638 the region to strengthen democratic 10:13.638 --> 10:15.749 institutions to stand up for the rule 10:15.749 --> 10:17.804 of law and for human rights to fight 10:17.804 --> 10:20.027 corruption . Uh Something that's been a 10:20.027 --> 10:21.638 hallmark of President Lassos 10:21.638 --> 10:23.804 administration uh and to empower civil 10:23.804 --> 10:26.027 society . Uh That's something I'm going 10:26.027 --> 10:28.270 to address a greater length tomorrow at 10:28.270 --> 10:30.437 the University of san Francisco keto . 10:31.040 --> 10:34.400 Um Mr Foreign Minister retail , I'm 10:34.400 --> 10:36.380 very grateful uh to you to the 10:36.380 --> 10:38.491 President for this visit to Ecuador . 10:38.500 --> 10:41.370 Uh , the opportunity to spend time with 10:41.370 --> 10:43.760 you to speak with university students 10:43.760 --> 10:46.420 to hear from civil society leaders , 10:46.430 --> 10:48.152 independent journalists , anti 10:48.152 --> 10:50.152 corruption activists to visit local 10:50.152 --> 10:52.097 artisans and entrepreneurs . We're 10:52.097 --> 10:54.319 doing all of that in a relatively short 10:54.319 --> 10:56.480 space of time . So much connects the 10:56.480 --> 10:58.702 people of Ecuador and the people of the 10:58.702 --> 11:00.647 United States . We have family and 11:00.647 --> 11:02.650 cultural ties going back literally 11:02.660 --> 11:04.990 generations Palace americans have 11:04.990 --> 11:07.320 experienced firsthand the extraordinary 11:07.320 --> 11:09.542 natural beauty and biodiversity uh here 11:09.542 --> 11:11.830 in Ecuador every day we enjoyed the 11:11.830 --> 11:14.250 products of your land from coffee to 11:14.260 --> 11:18.180 chocolate uh to uh bananas 11:18.180 --> 11:22.160 to you , name it . And we joined you 11:22.620 --> 11:26.070 this summer in cheering for Ecuador's 11:26.070 --> 11:29.700 two gold medals at the olympics uh by 11:29.700 --> 11:32.760 the cyclist , uh Richard , uh sara pas 11:33.140 --> 11:36.220 and by the sea . Uh Oh yes . The 11:36.220 --> 11:38.450 bodybuilder who became the first 11:38.460 --> 11:41.050 Ecuadorian woman ever to win a medal at 11:41.050 --> 11:43.460 the olympics . And it was a gold medal . 11:43.940 --> 11:45.996 So for all these reasons and so many 11:45.996 --> 11:47.940 more , it's an honor to be here in 11:47.940 --> 11:50.162 Kyoto on behalf of the United States is 11:50.162 --> 11:52.162 a privilege to work with you and to 11:52.162 --> 11:54.273 make the friendship between Ecuador , 11:54.273 --> 11:56.496 the United States even stronger . Thank 11:56.496 --> 11:58.440 you . Thank you very much for your 11:58.440 --> 12:00.773 secretary . Oh , thank you Mr Secretary . 12:00.773 --> 12:02.718 We begin with the questions of the 12:02.718 --> 12:02.460 media . 12:06.940 --> 12:08.050 Mm . Mhm 12:11.540 --> 12:14.020 gracias . When it's yes , a few 12:14.020 --> 12:16.530 questions on issues of regional import 12:16.530 --> 12:19.030 to both of you please . For secretary 12:19.030 --> 12:21.240 Blinken , it appears that any progress 12:21.250 --> 12:23.139 that was made towards a political 12:23.139 --> 12:25.450 resolution in Venezuela has been um 12:25.450 --> 12:28.010 with the extradition of Alex ab what 12:28.010 --> 12:30.177 specifically can the United States and 12:30.177 --> 12:32.232 its allies here in South America and 12:32.232 --> 12:34.399 elsewhere due to get the talks started 12:34.399 --> 12:36.288 again and since there are already 12:36.288 --> 12:38.399 doubts about a free and fair election 12:38.399 --> 12:40.510 in Venezuela next month , are you now 12:40.510 --> 12:42.566 worried that these developments will 12:42.566 --> 12:44.566 make everything worse from Minister 12:44.566 --> 12:46.843 Montalvo ? Does Ecuador believe that U . 12:46.843 --> 12:48.566 S . Sanctions in Venezuela has 12:48.566 --> 12:50.621 contributed to the refugee crisis in 12:50.621 --> 12:52.677 your country and has your government 12:52.677 --> 12:54.788 asked for them to be lifted ? What is 12:54.788 --> 12:56.899 Ecuador's position on how this impact 12:56.899 --> 12:59.010 can be solved ? And one more if I may 12:59.140 --> 13:01.700 on Haiti to both of you , patient 13:01.700 --> 13:03.922 leaders have for months been asking for 13:03.922 --> 13:06.000 more operational security assistance 13:06.010 --> 13:08.121 and even military troops to help with 13:08.121 --> 13:10.150 its spiraling security situation . 13:10.640 --> 13:12.862 Given last weekend's kidnappings of the 13:12.862 --> 13:15.890 16 Americans and one Canadian and that 13:15.890 --> 13:18.001 it's the it's only the latest example 13:18.001 --> 13:20.057 of violence . How are leaders in the 13:20.057 --> 13:22.334 western hemisphere prepared to respond , 13:22.334 --> 13:24.390 Thank you . Thanks for a mercy . I'm 13:24.390 --> 13:27.250 happy to start and hand it over to you , 13:28.140 --> 13:31.640 Laura on 1st on Venezuela . Yeah , 13:32.140 --> 13:35.460 I think it's deeply unfortunate that 13:36.140 --> 13:39.130 the Maduro regime pulled out of the 13:39.140 --> 13:42.940 talks uh in Mexico . But I 13:42.940 --> 13:44.560 think it's also indicative , 13:45.040 --> 13:48.860 unfortunately of uh Mr 13:48.860 --> 13:51.030 Maduro putting self interest ahead of 13:51.030 --> 13:53.197 the interests of the Venezuelan people 13:53.390 --> 13:55.612 and putting the interests of one person 13:55.940 --> 13:59.680 ahead of the interests of all people uh 13:59.690 --> 14:03.310 in Venezuela . Um it's uh I think 14:03.310 --> 14:05.450 important to underscore that 14:07.140 --> 14:10.160 we have an independent judiciary 14:10.640 --> 14:14.160 uh in the United States 14:14.170 --> 14:17.230 and in the case of the extradition of 14:17.240 --> 14:20.660 uh Mr Sob this is a matter that's been 14:20.660 --> 14:23.450 going going on for the better part of a 14:23.450 --> 14:25.339 decade , I believe . He was first 14:25.339 --> 14:27.561 arrested about 10 years ago and there's 14:27.561 --> 14:29.617 been a process underway now for some 14:29.617 --> 14:31.561 years for his extradition and that 14:31.561 --> 14:34.510 proceeds independent of anything that 14:34.510 --> 14:36.960 is happening on a on a political track . 14:37.540 --> 14:40.260 So again , I think it's extremely 14:40.260 --> 14:42.950 unfortunate , but also indicative of 14:42.950 --> 14:46.720 where Mr Maduro is putting his focus 14:46.720 --> 14:48.942 and that is on self interests , not the 14:48.942 --> 14:50.998 interests of the Venezuelan people , 14:50.998 --> 14:53.164 which manifestly uh would benefit from 14:53.164 --> 14:55.331 putting Venezuela back on a democratic 14:55.331 --> 14:58.750 path , including getting to free and 14:58.750 --> 15:01.840 fair national elections . 15:03.110 --> 15:05.277 And then with regard to Haiti , let me 15:05.277 --> 15:08.300 just say two things on that First , 15:08.310 --> 15:11.130 with regard to the specific incident 15:11.140 --> 15:14.360 that you refer to , the kidnapping of 15:15.040 --> 15:17.950 Missionaries , including 16 Americans . 15:18.540 --> 15:22.160 We have in the administration 15:22.540 --> 15:26.230 been relentlessly focused on on this , 15:26.230 --> 15:30.090 including uh sending a team to Haiti 15:30.100 --> 15:32.780 from the State Department uh working 15:32.780 --> 15:35.540 very closely with the FBI , which is uh 15:35.550 --> 15:38.450 the lead in these kinds of matters in 15:38.460 --> 15:40.682 constant communication with the Haitian 15:40.682 --> 15:43.540 national police , uh the church that 15:43.550 --> 15:47.100 the missionaries belong to uh as well 15:47.100 --> 15:49.460 as to the Haitian government uh and we 15:49.460 --> 15:51.890 will do everything that we can to help 15:51.890 --> 15:54.760 resolve the situation . But let me also 15:54.770 --> 15:56.937 refer to the context that you put this 15:56.937 --> 15:59.103 in very , very appropriately , because 15:59.103 --> 16:02.370 unfortunately , this is also indicative 16:02.370 --> 16:06.050 of a much larger problem and 16:06.060 --> 16:09.550 that is a security 16:09.550 --> 16:12.950 situation that is quite simply 16:12.960 --> 16:15.960 unsustainable gangs dominate 16:16.540 --> 16:19.250 many parts of Puerto press and other 16:19.250 --> 16:21.306 parts of Haiti . The National police 16:21.306 --> 16:23.306 can't even operate in many of these 16:23.306 --> 16:26.450 areas . These gangs are tied to 16:27.340 --> 16:31.220 groups , individuals parties and 16:31.230 --> 16:34.870 are in many ways dominating 16:35.090 --> 16:38.990 the state that can't that can't go 16:38.990 --> 16:42.040 on and it's certainly is not conducive 16:42.040 --> 16:45.600 to an environment in which the work 16:45.600 --> 16:48.610 that needs to be done . The support 16:48.620 --> 16:50.676 that I hope will will be there . And 16:50.676 --> 16:52.898 the investments that need to be made in 16:52.898 --> 16:55.009 the Haitian people in their future in 16:55.009 --> 16:58.990 their progress can be made . And at the 16:58.990 --> 17:02.770 same time , we have to see hey 17:03.440 --> 17:06.530 coalescing of all different groups in 17:06.530 --> 17:09.880 Haiti different uh political groups , 17:09.890 --> 17:13.760 civil society , uh huh . Different 17:13.770 --> 17:16.730 stakeholders in society come together 17:16.730 --> 17:19.040 around a political vision for the way 17:19.040 --> 17:21.262 forward . Because of course , the other 17:21.262 --> 17:24.930 crisis that Haiti faces is the one that 17:24.940 --> 17:26.607 came about in the wake of the 17:26.607 --> 17:28.980 assassination of President luis and the 17:28.980 --> 17:31.330 exceptional circumstances that Haiti 17:31.330 --> 17:34.060 found itself in . But the security is 17:34.540 --> 17:36.720 vitally vitally important . We have 17:36.720 --> 17:39.670 been working closely with the Haitian 17:39.670 --> 17:41.910 National Police to try to build their 17:41.910 --> 17:45.590 capacity uh as well as to help put in 17:45.590 --> 17:47.790 place uh programs that can effectively 17:47.790 --> 17:51.160 deal with uh with the gangs . But it's 17:51.160 --> 17:54.050 a very challenging and in the long term 17:54.050 --> 17:57.340 process , we're focused on it , but it 17:57.350 --> 18:00.270 is absolutely essential that this 18:00.270 --> 18:02.690 security dynamic change if Haiti is 18:02.690 --> 18:06.610 going to make real progress in 18:06.620 --> 18:09.610 in Qantas Supreme , what was your 18:09.620 --> 18:12.000 question on the situation of Venezuelan 18:12.000 --> 18:14.056 citizens here in Ecuador ? But about 18:14.056 --> 18:17.020 this is one of the aspects that is had 18:17.020 --> 18:18.964 an impact in Ecuador . You have to 18:18.964 --> 18:21.131 remember that here in the country , we 18:21.131 --> 18:23.187 have about half a million Venezuelan 18:23.187 --> 18:26.330 citizens has come due to the crisis 18:28.040 --> 18:31.800 and we as uh brother Republic of 18:31.810 --> 18:35.280 Venezuela , we have had these Venezuela 18:35.290 --> 18:37.512 come here with all the hospitality . In 18:37.512 --> 18:39.600 fact , President Basso , one of his 18:39.600 --> 18:41.780 first measures he took when he took 18:41.780 --> 18:45.710 office was to have all these Venezuela 18:45.710 --> 18:49.390 centers regularized as a measure 18:49.400 --> 18:52.430 of solidarity and for reasons 18:52.440 --> 18:55.150 humanitarian reasons . As of now , the 18:55.150 --> 18:58.370 country finds itself in this process of 18:58.380 --> 19:01.470 legalization , taking all 19:01.480 --> 19:04.820 administrative , its logistical legal 19:04.830 --> 19:07.270 measures into account . And this is an 19:07.270 --> 19:09.326 enormous support for the country and 19:09.326 --> 19:11.548 this has been shared with the Secretary 19:11.548 --> 19:13.714 of State Lincoln . President Lasso has 19:13.714 --> 19:15.714 exposed its all the efforts that is 19:15.714 --> 19:18.410 being then by Ecuador to take these 19:18.450 --> 19:21.250 citizen associated in this process of 19:21.260 --> 19:23.482 regularization and the need , the vital 19:23.482 --> 19:26.400 need of the country to uh the 19:26.400 --> 19:28.344 international community recognizes 19:28.344 --> 19:30.790 these efforts , regularization of 19:30.800 --> 19:32.967 venison fellow citizens in the country 19:32.967 --> 19:36.880 that has high rates of unemployment and 19:36.890 --> 19:38.910 so problems , socio economic 19:38.910 --> 19:41.460 departments is great , our national 19:41.460 --> 19:45.460 capacities are overflown and even 19:45.460 --> 19:47.590 though the Ecuador is working in that 19:47.600 --> 19:49.656 we haven't taken this great step and 19:49.656 --> 19:52.790 this one of the main mentions that have 19:52.800 --> 19:55.230 been done here and that Mr blank has 19:55.240 --> 19:58.050 manifested in this conversation is the 19:58.050 --> 19:59.880 shared responsibility of the 19:59.880 --> 20:02.610 international community do this aspect . 20:02.620 --> 20:05.660 So once again Ecuador as asking for the 20:05.660 --> 20:07.980 international community to contribute 20:07.990 --> 20:10.920 with the efforts that being undertaken 20:10.920 --> 20:14.340 here in Ecuador on the ministerial 20:14.340 --> 20:17.030 sentences that are being hosted here . 20:17.040 --> 20:19.660 There are many factors and for this 20:19.670 --> 20:23.500 uh come due to the situation 20:23.510 --> 20:25.677 political situations , social economic 20:25.677 --> 20:27.899 concentration that the country is going 20:27.899 --> 20:31.850 through and we do not share . We don't 20:31.850 --> 20:35.150 have uh voice in those 20:35.160 --> 20:37.440 measures of other countries . But what 20:37.450 --> 20:41.190 Ecuador does is to find the solution to 20:41.190 --> 20:44.460 the situation of Venezuela , in which 20:44.840 --> 20:48.590 the values have privilege of democracy , 20:48.600 --> 20:52.200 liberty , human rights , free election , 20:52.200 --> 20:54.144 and clean innovation . And in this 20:54.144 --> 20:56.420 sense , Ecuador is working in every 20:56.420 --> 20:59.660 moment and this is how we have shown in 20:59.660 --> 21:02.770 its participation in different spaces 21:02.780 --> 21:06.340 for bilateral dialogue as well as such 21:06.340 --> 21:09.500 as this morning as a multilateral 21:09.500 --> 21:11.778 efforts or collective efforts proposed . 21:11.778 --> 21:13.833 Ecuador is part of the International 21:13.833 --> 21:16.000 Contact group in coordination with the 21:16.000 --> 21:18.310 european Union and in this sense we are 21:18.310 --> 21:21.030 watching ever watchful and we're also 21:21.040 --> 21:24.390 always looking how to contribute from 21:24.390 --> 21:28.230 our position on the subject of 21:28.240 --> 21:31.730 Mr SAP that we also talked in this 21:31.730 --> 21:34.500 morning dialogues present lessons said 21:34.500 --> 21:38.330 that the attention of which Ecuador is 21:38.330 --> 21:40.890 following on this subject because it 21:40.900 --> 21:43.190 has to do with direct applications here 21:43.190 --> 21:46.470 in the country . We have there are 21:46.470 --> 21:48.420 facts , concrete facts and public 21:48.420 --> 21:51.650 fights respecting the presence and 21:51.650 --> 21:54.040 participation of Mr SAPIEN in Ecuador 21:54.050 --> 21:56.940 and for that the interest of Ecuador to 21:56.940 --> 22:00.150 clarify the situation and to do this 22:00.160 --> 22:03.810 within the international standards 22:03.820 --> 22:07.100 would do processes , respect of the 22:07.110 --> 22:10.480 rule of law and Ecuador is 22:10.490 --> 22:13.950 hoping to have the best results with 22:13.950 --> 22:16.550 the transparency in this aspect . What 22:16.560 --> 22:18.830 has to do with Heidi ? Ecuador is also 22:18.840 --> 22:22.510 stated in all moments , its 22:22.510 --> 22:25.370 solidarity with that country and when 22:25.370 --> 22:28.490 the earthquake at took place , Ecuador 22:28.490 --> 22:31.810 within responsibility went with 22:31.820 --> 22:33.860 solidarity support and donations to 22:33.860 --> 22:35.804 that country and in those spaces , 22:35.810 --> 22:38.890 multilateral spaces such as the uh 22:38.900 --> 22:41.700 organism american states . Ecuador is 22:41.700 --> 22:43.589 always present and is part of the 22:43.589 --> 22:45.700 committee to support the situation of 22:45.700 --> 22:48.130 city and that is the front where we are 22:48.130 --> 22:51.820 working on sadly we as 22:51.830 --> 22:55.530 we all do we I've seen the tragic 22:55.530 --> 22:57.697 situation that have been presented and 22:57.697 --> 23:00.790 we hope that that brother country finds 23:00.800 --> 23:04.600 as well . Uh the path to gathering of 23:04.600 --> 23:06.767 all those standards that we're looking 23:06.767 --> 23:10.680 for of peace specific and they 23:10.690 --> 23:13.160 returned to the rule of law within the 23:13.160 --> 23:15.550 canons of democratic rule . 23:17.640 --> 23:21.440 Next question is from 23:21.440 --> 23:24.520 Freddie Peretz , Thank you . Good 23:24.520 --> 23:27.340 afternoon Mr Secretary Blinken , Mr 23:27.340 --> 23:31.290 Minister Montalvo for Secretary Blinken 23:31.290 --> 23:34.250 please Ecuador . We 23:34.250 --> 23:37.810 have exception state of reception to 23:37.810 --> 23:40.088 fight the insecurity and micro traffic . 23:40.088 --> 23:42.770 One of the subjects that were touch in 23:42.770 --> 23:44.937 the agenda with President less . So is 23:44.937 --> 23:46.603 there any commitment concrete 23:46.603 --> 23:48.381 commitment of the United States 23:48.381 --> 23:50.270 incorporated with Ecuador on this 23:50.270 --> 23:53.690 subject for both of you . If you allow 23:53.700 --> 23:57.410 for the after the tradition of Mr Alex 23:57.410 --> 23:59.577 up to the United States , how will you 23:59.577 --> 24:01.688 cooperate both countries , I refer to 24:01.688 --> 24:03.743 Ecuador and the United States in the 24:03.743 --> 24:05.910 investigation of this case . Take into 24:05.910 --> 24:07.966 account that Mr SAm the feelings and 24:07.966 --> 24:10.021 businesses here in Ecuador and there 24:10.021 --> 24:13.730 are evidence of crimes and for Mr 24:13.730 --> 24:17.550 Montana , please , if this visit was 24:17.560 --> 24:21.310 well for the Secretary of MR blanket to 24:21.310 --> 24:23.500 take a further step , more concrete 24:23.500 --> 24:27.040 step to uh Fair trade agreement . Thank 24:27.040 --> 24:30.890 you very much . Thank you . Thank you 24:30.890 --> 24:34.300 very much . Um uh again to 24:34.310 --> 24:36.570 uh to come back to this uh this 24:36.570 --> 24:40.210 question of civilian security . Um as I 24:40.210 --> 24:41.988 noted , we've seen the state of 24:41.988 --> 24:44.470 exception that the President also 24:44.470 --> 24:48.470 declared uh to combat crime . And 24:48.470 --> 24:50.637 we very much understand as I mentioned 24:50.637 --> 24:53.910 earlier that democracies um at times 24:53.910 --> 24:55.966 need to take exceptional measures to 24:55.966 --> 24:58.188 ensure the safety and security of their 24:58.188 --> 25:01.300 citizens um equally when when 25:01.300 --> 25:03.630 governments take these steps , uh it's 25:03.630 --> 25:05.519 essential that the measures be be 25:05.519 --> 25:08.460 limited in scope limited in duration 25:08.840 --> 25:11.370 and the need to provide civilian 25:11.370 --> 25:13.481 security is properly balanced against 25:13.481 --> 25:16.210 respect for citizens human rights that 25:16.220 --> 25:18.442 the measures are in accordance with the 25:18.442 --> 25:20.609 rule of law and of course , subject to 25:20.609 --> 25:22.664 oversight judicial review uh and the 25:22.664 --> 25:24.710 security forces involved abide by 25:24.710 --> 25:26.932 international principles , all of which 25:26.932 --> 25:30.880 uh the President Lasso assured me uh 25:30.890 --> 25:33.630 is and will be the case uh in uh in 25:33.630 --> 25:37.130 this instance . Um and uh we are 25:37.140 --> 25:41.130 more broadly are looking 25:41.130 --> 25:44.430 for ways to uh deepen our 25:44.440 --> 25:46.551 cooperation and collaboration when it 25:46.551 --> 25:49.210 comes to dealing with uh the broader 25:49.210 --> 25:52.410 question of narco trafficking and the 25:52.420 --> 25:55.540 insecurity that uh that comes with it . 25:55.550 --> 25:57.383 Uh and we actually had a lengthy 25:57.383 --> 26:00.390 discussion about that , let me just say 26:00.390 --> 26:03.950 very quickly uh to that point that here 26:03.950 --> 26:06.630 to uh we have to have uh we have to 26:06.630 --> 26:08.852 approach this in a comprehensive manner 26:08.852 --> 26:10.519 uh and have a sense of shared 26:10.519 --> 26:12.741 responsibility , comprehensive manner . 26:12.741 --> 26:15.550 Uh Law enforcement is vitally important , 26:15.940 --> 26:19.840 but it is insufficient and as the 26:19.850 --> 26:22.700 President uh and I am Burrito discussed 26:22.710 --> 26:26.060 um making sure as well that we are 26:26.060 --> 26:28.200 trying to deal with the some of the 26:28.200 --> 26:31.740 root causes that may push people into 26:31.740 --> 26:34.550 drugs into crime into gangs , into an 26:34.550 --> 26:37.170 organ trafficking is vitally important . 26:37.640 --> 26:40.390 And especially making sure that people 26:40.390 --> 26:43.110 and young people have opportunity , you 26:43.120 --> 26:46.820 can see a future a job , the ability 26:46.820 --> 26:50.010 to provide for their families um that 26:50.010 --> 26:52.320 is an essential component . And I know 26:52.320 --> 26:54.376 this is very much part of the vision 26:54.376 --> 26:56.542 that President Lasso has in particular 26:56.542 --> 26:59.920 in trying to create more equitable 26:59.930 --> 27:03.360 economic growth and to make sure that 27:03.370 --> 27:05.790 the lower as well as the middle classes 27:05.800 --> 27:09.690 benefit from this . Similarly , we have 27:09.690 --> 27:12.550 to look at this from the perspective of 27:13.040 --> 27:15.207 both sides of the equation , including 27:15.207 --> 27:17.262 in the case of drugs . Uh the demand 27:17.262 --> 27:19.207 side , the United States has a big 27:19.207 --> 27:21.373 responsibility and doing everything we 27:21.373 --> 27:23.318 can to reduce demand uh because of 27:23.318 --> 27:26.240 course that only fuels and feeds the 27:26.250 --> 27:28.361 narco trafficking , the criminality , 27:28.361 --> 27:31.560 uh the transnational crime uh and 27:32.320 --> 27:35.950 that may well start uh with a demand 27:35.950 --> 27:38.450 signal in the United States criminal 27:38.450 --> 27:41.000 enterprise in Mexico . But then the 27:41.000 --> 27:43.230 effects are felt here as well in 27:43.230 --> 27:45.800 Ecuador . So , uh we have to approach 27:45.800 --> 27:48.022 this comprehensively and we are we have 27:48.022 --> 27:50.133 to approach it with a sense of shared 27:50.133 --> 27:52.189 responsibility with uh with everyone 27:52.189 --> 27:54.620 doing uh doing their part um very 27:54.620 --> 27:56.953 quickly with regard to trade investment . 27:57.440 --> 28:00.730 We have as you know , uh in place now 28:00.730 --> 28:03.600 as of august uh trade and transparency 28:03.600 --> 28:05.822 protocols which are going to allow us , 28:05.822 --> 28:08.850 I think , uh to work together to create 28:09.340 --> 28:11.620 uh and even more attractive and 28:11.630 --> 28:14.190 powerful investment environment here in 28:14.190 --> 28:17.140 Ecuador for american businesses . And 28:17.140 --> 28:18.973 so we're committed to doing that 28:19.540 --> 28:21.990 already . Our Development Finance 28:22.000 --> 28:25.160 Corporation has been uh making 28:25.170 --> 28:27.610 investments and providing loans that 28:27.610 --> 28:30.860 are having a real real impact loans to 28:30.860 --> 28:33.670 one of your leading banks that in turn 28:34.140 --> 28:36.307 are used to help small and medium size 28:36.307 --> 28:39.960 enterprises um Uh grow and 28:39.960 --> 28:42.030 develop , especially woman 28:42.030 --> 28:45.100 entrepreneurs . Uh others fighting back 28:45.100 --> 28:48.540 from from COVID-19 uh and then very 28:48.540 --> 28:52.520 significant investments in uh in 28:52.520 --> 28:54.360 infrastructure and renewable uh 28:54.370 --> 28:57.270 infrastructure where we've already made 28:57.270 --> 29:00.210 some significant investments . Uh but I 29:00.210 --> 29:03.090 think much more uh , is to follow . So 29:03.090 --> 29:06.800 we have a I think a strong trade and 29:06.800 --> 29:08.689 uh , investment agenda that we're 29:08.689 --> 29:10.744 working on together . I mentioned as 29:10.744 --> 29:12.911 well that we are now in the process of 29:12.911 --> 29:15.210 uh , negotiating a the open skies 29:15.210 --> 29:17.950 agreement . So in all of these ways I 29:17.950 --> 29:21.510 think you'll see real growth in trade 29:21.510 --> 29:23.399 and investment between the United 29:23.399 --> 29:25.260 States and Ecuador . Let's see 29:26.640 --> 29:29.770 respectable castles in your sub game in 29:29.770 --> 29:32.630 the case of Mr Sepp . Just firstly , I 29:32.630 --> 29:34.740 already said that Ecuador is looking 29:34.740 --> 29:38.100 into this the 29:38.110 --> 29:41.750 development of these procedures 29:41.760 --> 29:44.620 and we trust that this will be done 29:44.620 --> 29:46.460 with due process and so 29:47.960 --> 29:51.810 to the rule of law . And also 29:51.810 --> 29:55.650 Ecuador will talk that to have the 29:55.660 --> 29:58.760 diet transparency to the fact that have 29:58.770 --> 30:00.659 happened here in Ecuador . And of 30:00.659 --> 30:04.600 course we will provide as normal entire 30:04.610 --> 30:07.540 cooperation and collaboration for to 30:07.540 --> 30:11.280 clarify this this process or whatever 30:11.280 --> 30:14.350 comes from a position of Ecuador in 30:14.350 --> 30:17.300 this respect is really clear 30:17.310 --> 30:20.850 and we trust that mm 30:21.340 --> 30:25.040 with institutional treatment 30:25.050 --> 30:27.360 of this procedure and transparent 30:27.740 --> 30:30.080 procedure will clarify many of the 30:30.080 --> 30:32.160 things that we think that exists in 30:32.160 --> 30:35.410 this country . And overall to be able 30:35.410 --> 30:38.020 to establish the truth that is we all 30:38.020 --> 30:41.740 look for in this in any other case like 30:41.740 --> 30:43.740 this , especially when it has to do 30:43.740 --> 30:47.030 with corruption , which I also have to 30:47.030 --> 30:49.320 mention that was one of the aspect that 30:49.320 --> 30:51.640 we also shared with Mr Secretary 30:51.640 --> 30:54.000 Blinken . The cooperation in the fight 30:54.010 --> 30:56.232 against the corruption in our countries 30:57.040 --> 31:00.060 respect with respect 31:00.060 --> 31:03.510 to Free trade Fair trade 31:03.510 --> 31:07.490 Agreement . This is 31:07.500 --> 31:09.667 a situation that we had to talk in the 31:09.667 --> 31:11.778 conversation of this morning . And so 31:11.778 --> 31:13.778 it was done . Secretary Blinken has 31:13.778 --> 31:17.060 just talked about some of the aspects 31:17.070 --> 31:20.840 that were shared and exchange in the 31:20.840 --> 31:23.350 conversations in the dialogue . So this 31:23.350 --> 31:26.460 morning . So Secretary Blinken 31:27.340 --> 31:31.330 has had it has been direct to 31:31.330 --> 31:33.441 expose the position of the government 31:33.441 --> 31:35.608 of the United States in this respect . 31:35.608 --> 31:37.990 What the administration has by the 31:37.990 --> 31:39.990 administration is now . And all the 31:39.990 --> 31:42.700 lines of collaboration that exists 31:42.710 --> 31:45.830 between our countries to work in a 31:45.840 --> 31:48.540 constructive way , including commercial 31:48.540 --> 31:52.210 aspects and in this the 31:52.220 --> 31:54.610 subject beyond what we expect or the 31:54.610 --> 31:56.610 steps that we're taking within this 31:56.610 --> 31:59.360 process of a Fair trade agreement . 31:59.740 --> 32:01.990 What exists are several proposals such 32:01.990 --> 32:05.700 as of the B tree W 32:05.710 --> 32:08.500 That is very important . That is trust 32:08.510 --> 32:10.960 translated spanish to reconstruct a 32:10.960 --> 32:14.770 better world . And we we thank the 32:14.780 --> 32:16.590 thankful that the United States 32:16.600 --> 32:19.890 included the Ecuador , a country to be 32:19.890 --> 32:21.946 benefited from this initiative where 32:21.946 --> 32:24.057 the country will have the opportunity 32:24.057 --> 32:26.730 to to take forward several projects 32:26.730 --> 32:28.730 infrastructure and Mr Blinken state 32:28.730 --> 32:30.841 that there are many areas of interest 32:30.841 --> 32:33.740 and preferential areas , subjects such 32:33.740 --> 32:37.600 as education , health and subjects such 32:37.600 --> 32:39.590 as the fight malnutrition , child 32:39.590 --> 32:43.100 malnutrition and subjects to eradicate 32:43.100 --> 32:45.510 the violence of gender violence and the 32:45.510 --> 32:48.830 promotion of inter connectivity . Full 32:48.830 --> 32:51.780 connectivity rule in your open 32:51.790 --> 32:53.800 connectivity in the country and any 32:53.800 --> 32:56.990 aspect that might be inscribed within 32:56.990 --> 32:59.460 the initiative where we are looking 32:59.460 --> 33:02.860 into Optimism and from the talks that 33:02.860 --> 33:05.050 we have had as soon as 33:05.060 --> 33:08.970 uh January February of next 33:08.970 --> 33:11.690 year 2022 . We hope to have all the 33:11.690 --> 33:14.850 projects specific projects in Ecuador 33:14.850 --> 33:17.520 being one of the first countries to be 33:17.520 --> 33:19.810 benefited from this proposal that as I 33:19.810 --> 33:22.960 have said has been taken forward by the 33:22.970 --> 33:25.026 Government of the United States . To 33:25.026 --> 33:26.081 Ecuador . Listen , 33:33.740 --> 33:37.260 thank you um firstly to 33:37.270 --> 33:40.620 uh Foreign Minister Montalvo , your 33:40.620 --> 33:42.880 president has uh said that he wants to 33:42.880 --> 33:45.680 secure the trade deal with china and 33:45.680 --> 33:47.860 some other countries but specifically 33:47.860 --> 33:49.900 talking about china , you know 33:49.900 --> 33:53.320 alongside the trade negotiations , 33:53.320 --> 33:55.610 you're talking about trade relations 33:55.610 --> 33:57.554 with the United States that you're 33:57.554 --> 33:59.420 discussing . Um you know , is it 33:59.420 --> 34:01.476 possible to have those kind of close 34:01.476 --> 34:03.642 trade relations and economic relations 34:03.642 --> 34:06.810 with the US at the same time as you 34:06.810 --> 34:08.977 know , entering into a trade deal with 34:08.977 --> 34:12.270 Beijing and to Secretary Blinken , your 34:12.270 --> 34:14.910 predecessor in the previous previous U . 34:14.910 --> 34:17.550 S . Administration often 34:18.020 --> 34:20.440 emphasised in other in countries 34:20.440 --> 34:22.820 including in latin America ? Uh you 34:22.820 --> 34:26.060 know a stark choice between for 34:26.060 --> 34:28.171 countries between whether they should 34:28.171 --> 34:30.282 deal with china deal with the U . S . 34:30.282 --> 34:32.171 Um you know , which country which 34:32.171 --> 34:34.338 global power should they be closest to 34:34.338 --> 34:36.290 um under your under this biden 34:36.290 --> 34:38.401 administration , is there a different 34:38.401 --> 34:40.623 message that you're giving to countries 34:40.623 --> 34:42.734 like Ecuador when it comes to dealing 34:42.734 --> 34:44.512 with china and you know , is it 34:44.512 --> 34:46.679 compatible to have these kind of trade 34:46.679 --> 34:48.790 relations with both countries ? Thank 34:48.790 --> 34:51.200 you much progress for super want to 34:51.210 --> 34:54.440 thank you very much a private chat . 34:54.440 --> 34:56.607 Thank you very much for the question . 34:56.607 --> 34:58.829 I would like to take adventures for the 34:58.829 --> 35:00.940 same to stay the conversation of this 35:00.940 --> 35:02.884 morning . This meeting of the work 35:02.884 --> 35:05.051 meetings of this morning not only were 35:05.051 --> 35:08.170 very productive , very open , but also 35:08.540 --> 35:11.960 very direct and the subject of 35:11.960 --> 35:15.900 china was start to clearly by 35:15.900 --> 35:17.733 President less so with secretary 35:17.733 --> 35:20.150 Lincoln and we talked very clearly 35:20.150 --> 35:23.770 which are the position of Ecuador in 35:23.780 --> 35:26.880 the approach to china and the role that 35:26.880 --> 35:28.650 has been played china and the 35:28.660 --> 35:30.827 vaccination and dialogues that we have 35:30.827 --> 35:32.470 had with that government 35:33.240 --> 35:36.950 from also the 35:36.950 --> 35:39.006 Agreement of the Trade agreement and 35:39.006 --> 35:41.340 other elements . And then that same 35:41.340 --> 35:44.540 line , one of the points that coincided 35:44.540 --> 35:47.770 was precisely that such as the United 35:47.770 --> 35:50.220 States has commercial relations with 35:50.220 --> 35:52.760 china , Ecuador can also have them . So 35:52.990 --> 35:55.440 and that will be inscribed within the 35:55.450 --> 35:58.230 policies foreign policies of Mr Lasso 35:58.240 --> 36:01.660 translated in this are acting 36:02.830 --> 36:05.820 that comes from his campaign moments of 36:05.830 --> 36:07.886 more Ecuador into the world and more 36:07.886 --> 36:09.941 Ecuador into the world and to show a 36:09.941 --> 36:12.108 country that is creating opportunities 36:12.108 --> 36:15.670 to all investors of the entire world . 36:15.680 --> 36:18.040 And among them of course is china that 36:18.040 --> 36:21.190 constitutes uh commercial partner . 36:21.200 --> 36:23.380 Very important . Not as important as 36:23.380 --> 36:25.547 the United States , but it's also very 36:25.547 --> 36:27.436 important commercial partners for 36:27.436 --> 36:29.436 Ecuador . And of course with them . 36:29.436 --> 36:33.080 Ecuador as manifested by uh 36:33.090 --> 36:35.990 less or to Mr blink Ecuador aspires to 36:36.000 --> 36:39.380 have agreements with main economies of 36:39.390 --> 36:42.660 the world and firstly , of course , is 36:42.670 --> 36:44.837 the United States , but there are also 36:44.837 --> 36:47.380 others . And we mentioned also several 36:47.380 --> 36:49.990 numbers of Ecuador that was Looking 36:49.990 --> 36:53.500 into have in space , in that 80% that 36:53.500 --> 36:56.910 represents the biggest economies that 36:56.920 --> 36:59.200 then most biggest economies in the 36:59.200 --> 37:02.250 world , or 60% of the population that 37:02.260 --> 37:05.720 they in globe . And in those 37:05.730 --> 37:09.710 terms are directness and openness . We 37:09.710 --> 37:11.877 have had the conversation this morning 37:11.877 --> 37:14.480 and we have not withheld any factor 37:14.490 --> 37:17.660 that are taken forward by mr President 37:17.660 --> 37:19.970 Lasso within this policy of foreign 37:19.970 --> 37:23.580 policy . That is completely realistic , 37:23.590 --> 37:27.250 but also apply to certain 37:27.250 --> 37:29.250 values and principles that we share 37:29.250 --> 37:30.639 with the United States . 37:33.730 --> 37:35.841 And let me let me let me add a couple 37:35.841 --> 37:38.850 of things to uh to bat first . Um 37:40.430 --> 37:43.390 the the partnership between the United 37:43.390 --> 37:47.100 States and in Ecuador is 37:47.100 --> 37:50.050 focused on uh common interests , 37:50.430 --> 37:52.940 shared values and a positive agenda . 37:52.940 --> 37:55.550 It's not defined by any third country . 37:56.030 --> 37:59.300 Uh and we're focused together on the 37:59.300 --> 38:01.133 many things that we talked about 38:01.320 --> 38:03.290 throughout this uh this press 38:03.290 --> 38:06.000 conference . Um and in particular , 38:06.000 --> 38:08.110 ultimately we're focused together on 38:08.110 --> 38:10.720 demonstrating that our democracies can 38:10.720 --> 38:13.053 deliver tangible results for our people . 38:13.053 --> 38:15.140 That is the test and that's the test 38:15.140 --> 38:17.950 that we're working um to pass together . 38:18.620 --> 38:22.040 Uh we're not asking countries 38:22.500 --> 38:25.770 to choose between the United States and 38:25.770 --> 38:29.120 china . Um nor as I've said repeatedly 38:29.130 --> 38:32.040 do we seek to contain china or hold it 38:32.040 --> 38:34.800 back . What we do seek to do is to 38:34.810 --> 38:37.870 uphold the highest possible standards , 38:38.420 --> 38:41.950 um , as we're engaged around the world . 38:42.320 --> 38:45.350 And so , for example , in the case of 38:45.500 --> 38:48.270 trade investment , uh huh . Recio 38:48.270 --> 38:50.500 talked about the build back Better 38:50.500 --> 38:53.940 World Program , uh , mentioned it as 38:53.940 --> 38:57.540 well . One of the features of that 38:57.540 --> 39:00.150 program is to make sure that as we're 39:00.150 --> 39:02.317 making investments in infrastructure , 39:02.317 --> 39:04.539 for example , in different parts of the 39:04.539 --> 39:06.317 world , we do it to the highest 39:06.317 --> 39:08.483 standards . As a race to the top , not 39:08.483 --> 39:10.539 a race to the bottom . We do it in a 39:10.539 --> 39:12.761 way that , for example , doesn't burden 39:12.761 --> 39:15.940 countries with unmanageable debt . We 39:15.940 --> 39:18.690 do it in a way that includes the 39:18.690 --> 39:21.260 highest labor and environmental 39:21.260 --> 39:24.390 standards . We do it in a way that 39:24.400 --> 39:27.760 keeps out corruption , we do it in a 39:27.760 --> 39:30.250 way that builds to the highest quality . 39:30.720 --> 39:34.020 That's An affirmative agenda . And one 39:34.020 --> 39:37.660 I think countries will be , will be 39:37.660 --> 39:41.230 very attracted to similarly . 39:41.240 --> 39:44.450 Uh , as again , Marie show said , 39:45.020 --> 39:47.131 trade and investment , including with 39:47.131 --> 39:49.020 china is important for all of our 39:49.020 --> 39:50.853 countries and , uh , and usually 39:50.853 --> 39:53.540 beneficial . But there are 39:53.920 --> 39:57.550 very , uh narrowly 39:57.550 --> 40:00.970 defined areas in which it makes sense , 40:00.980 --> 40:04.260 uh , for countries to take precautions 40:04.260 --> 40:06.230 as they're looking at investment 40:06.710 --> 40:08.877 because unfortunately , in the case of 40:08.877 --> 40:11.730 china , there really is no division 40:11.730 --> 40:14.300 between purportedly private enterprises 40:14.310 --> 40:17.520 and the state . Uh , and equally , 40:17.520 --> 40:19.740 unfortunately , if those enterprises 40:19.740 --> 40:21.684 are asked to do the bidding of the 40:21.684 --> 40:23.796 state , they have to do it . Uh , and 40:23.796 --> 40:26.680 of course , uh , when it comes to human 40:26.680 --> 40:30.600 rights , privacy rights as well 40:30.600 --> 40:33.680 as uh security . Uh , that can pose , 40:33.690 --> 40:36.290 that can pose a real challenge . So 40:36.300 --> 40:38.730 what we we talk about including with 40:38.730 --> 40:42.120 our friends in Ecuador is making sure 40:42.120 --> 40:44.064 that when it comes particularly to 40:44.064 --> 40:46.120 investments in in in in in sensitive 40:46.120 --> 40:49.340 areas that they get the scrutiny that 40:49.340 --> 40:52.950 they deserve to uh , make sure that the 40:52.950 --> 40:55.117 interests of the of the country on the 40:55.117 --> 40:57.810 receiving end and its people are fully 40:57.810 --> 41:01.520 preserved . But definitely 41:01.520 --> 41:04.790 sad just to finish the missus other 41:04.790 --> 41:07.790 than marijuana finishes . Good 41:07.790 --> 41:10.140 afternoon . Mr Secretary mr Minister , 41:11.360 --> 41:13.650 I would like to insist in the questions 41:14.210 --> 41:16.210 on the subject of security . We are 41:16.210 --> 41:19.520 clear that we've talked well 41:20.010 --> 41:22.570 On the state of exception , but this is 41:22.570 --> 41:24.800 short term measure that will only last 41:24.800 --> 41:27.120 for 60 days . I would like to know if 41:27.120 --> 41:29.320 you can comment a little bit more if 41:29.320 --> 41:32.710 you talked that medium term and long 41:32.710 --> 41:36.050 term lines of cooperation and if there 41:36.050 --> 41:38.460 is a possibility to create a Ecuador 41:38.460 --> 41:42.160 plan , similar to the Colombia 41:42.160 --> 41:44.720 plan and also in the subject of 41:44.720 --> 41:46.930 migration . If you could talk not only 41:47.410 --> 41:50.780 the subject of Venezuela , but also the 41:50.780 --> 41:53.370 migration of ecuadorians to the United 41:53.370 --> 41:55.481 States . And what type of measures or 41:55.481 --> 41:57.481 actions can be taken in the point . 41:57.481 --> 42:00.520 Thank you . Yes , 42:00.530 --> 42:03.440 the subject that you mentioned were 42:03.450 --> 42:05.820 aboard the doctor in the conversation 42:05.820 --> 42:07.710 of President Lasso and Secretary 42:07.710 --> 42:11.510 blinking and certainly the President 42:12.800 --> 42:16.410 describe exactly the nature and reasons 42:16.410 --> 42:19.480 and motivations to go into the state of 42:19.480 --> 42:23.040 exception . That decree yesterday's 42:23.040 --> 42:25.610 tonight let us focused on 42:26.400 --> 42:28.820 guarantee the security of the 42:28.820 --> 42:32.490 citizenships or the protection on 42:32.490 --> 42:36.350 decrease of the violence and 42:36.360 --> 42:39.330 delinquency . President shared Mr 42:39.330 --> 42:41.610 Blinken , how 42:42.900 --> 42:45.470 said he was the death of the screen of 42:45.480 --> 42:47.702 this child yesterday . There was one of 42:47.702 --> 42:50.210 the reasons that motivated him to take 42:50.210 --> 42:53.070 this this measure as necessary , but 42:53.070 --> 42:55.670 it's oriented to protect citizenship 42:55.680 --> 42:57.791 and security to the Children . And in 42:57.791 --> 42:59.902 this sense , in the uh the talks that 42:59.902 --> 43:02.040 we have secretary , we explained what 43:02.050 --> 43:05.020 we're looking for is precisely focus 43:05.500 --> 43:09.230 care uh in the protection and security 43:09.240 --> 43:12.020 of the zones where there is more 43:12.020 --> 43:15.150 violence and eloquence . And we also 43:15.150 --> 43:18.270 talked also , as you can , as you 43:18.280 --> 43:21.130 mentioned to the mentioned in a measure 43:21.130 --> 43:23.297 in a short term measure and the medium 43:23.297 --> 43:26.360 term measure where we the country will 43:26.360 --> 43:29.210 need cooperation not only from the 43:29.210 --> 43:31.570 United States because we are here 43:31.570 --> 43:34.700 fighting the situation of 43:34.710 --> 43:37.940 transnational crimes with drug cartels 43:37.940 --> 43:40.970 and international 43:42.100 --> 43:45.610 crime with are linked to other crimes 43:45.610 --> 43:48.510 such as like a traffic money laundering , 43:48.520 --> 43:51.240 human trafficking and all of them have 43:51.240 --> 43:54.740 to be fought and no collective way and 43:54.740 --> 43:57.150 incorporated way an international way 43:57.160 --> 44:00.010 so on this sense , Ecuador 44:00.690 --> 44:04.220 will ask , of course and will 44:04.220 --> 44:07.090 provide also the cooperation to work 44:07.100 --> 44:10.480 jointly with these to fight against 44:10.490 --> 44:13.510 these criminals who are affecting not 44:13.510 --> 44:16.300 only Ecuador but every country and so 44:16.300 --> 44:18.930 in any way , in this way , as you 44:18.930 --> 44:22.250 mentioned , the migration that is by to 44:22.250 --> 44:25.590 this subject , Ecuador as this 44:25.590 --> 44:29.010 phenomenon has affected by the 44:29.010 --> 44:31.720 Ecuadorians live in the country . And 44:32.090 --> 44:34.300 in most cases , not all cases , 44:36.090 --> 44:39.560 I have to do with human trafficking , 44:39.570 --> 44:41.450 take advantage and exploit the 44:41.450 --> 44:45.090 situation , sometimes a 44:45.100 --> 44:47.490 precarious economic situation of people , 44:47.490 --> 44:49.620 but also the illusions and the hopes 44:49.620 --> 44:53.040 and dreams that might have these 44:53.050 --> 44:55.580 uh , country members . And in this 44:55.580 --> 44:57.580 sense , we talked with Secretary of 44:57.580 --> 45:00.420 Lincoln the need to provide for with 45:00.420 --> 45:04.170 measures that will tend to fight this 45:04.170 --> 45:06.770 situation , especially inscribed in the 45:06.770 --> 45:09.650 efforts of cooperation , we believe 45:09.650 --> 45:12.200 that many of the projects that are 45:12.210 --> 45:15.690 within the tree w to 45:15.700 --> 45:17.910 rebuild a better world build back 45:17.920 --> 45:20.400 better the world will help in the sense , 45:20.410 --> 45:22.420 and also re trade . What Ecuador 45:22.490 --> 45:26.010 inspires to is to maintain , uh , 45:26.020 --> 45:28.860 regular migration , orderly migration 45:28.860 --> 45:30.971 and secure migration . And for this , 45:30.971 --> 45:33.490 we are looking with satisfaction . The 45:33.500 --> 45:35.722 focus that's secretary blink is brought 45:35.722 --> 45:38.900 to us to have a joint shared 45:38.910 --> 45:42.500 responsibility in the sense . And 45:42.510 --> 45:46.360 I can only echo what Mauricio 45:46.360 --> 45:50.030 said on the uh , immigration part of 45:50.030 --> 45:52.030 the question . And we'll have a lot 45:52.030 --> 45:53.863 more to say about that . I think 45:53.863 --> 45:55.919 together , um , when we're in bogota 45:55.919 --> 45:58.350 tomorrow uh , for the regional 45:58.360 --> 46:01.040 migration meeting , that we're joining 46:01.050 --> 46:03.106 together , let me , uh , let me just 46:03.106 --> 46:05.900 say , when it comes to uh , security , 46:06.280 --> 46:08.280 when it comes to dealing with Narco 46:08.280 --> 46:10.640 trafficking . This is a shared a shared 46:10.640 --> 46:14.330 concern and a shared fight . Um , 46:14.340 --> 46:16.820 we have , as I think , you know , a 46:16.820 --> 46:19.042 number of agreements already in place , 46:19.042 --> 46:21.370 that have established uh new programs 46:21.370 --> 46:23.540 to try to strengthen counter narcotics 46:23.540 --> 46:25.762 and law enforcement cooperation between 46:25.762 --> 46:29.500 the United States and in Ecuador um 46:30.080 --> 46:33.020 trafficking money laundering other 46:33.020 --> 46:35.630 transnational organized crime . We are 46:35.630 --> 46:39.620 working together to help equip the 46:39.630 --> 46:41.950 police , the justice sector With 46:41.960 --> 46:44.380 everything from vehicles to information 46:44.380 --> 46:47.930 technology to software to canines 46:47.940 --> 46:51.800 uh two dogs . We're uh working together 46:51.800 --> 46:54.680 and facilitating what have been in both 46:54.680 --> 46:56.791 a good news , bad news story , record 46:56.791 --> 46:59.090 drug seizures . The good news being 46:59.090 --> 47:01.290 were effective , The bad news being , 47:01.290 --> 47:03.234 it's a record drug seizure , which 47:03.234 --> 47:05.234 means the problem , in a sense , is 47:05.234 --> 47:08.720 even larger uh prosecutions , sentences 47:08.720 --> 47:10.942 for for criminal activity . All of that 47:10.942 --> 47:14.420 is already part of our cooperation , as 47:14.420 --> 47:17.210 I mentioned as well , both for the 47:17.210 --> 47:19.480 United States and also Ecuador . We 47:19.480 --> 47:21.590 have active drug demand reduction 47:21.590 --> 47:23.830 programmes because it's so important 47:23.840 --> 47:25.618 that we act on that side of the 47:25.618 --> 47:28.720 equation as well , training social and 47:28.730 --> 47:30.920 health officials , uh community 47:30.920 --> 47:32.976 activists , business leaders to join 47:32.976 --> 47:35.490 forces to try to push a narco 47:35.490 --> 47:37.657 trafficking out of neighborhoods where 47:37.657 --> 47:39.768 residents and especially young people 47:39.768 --> 47:42.470 are susceptible to drug use . Um We 47:42.470 --> 47:44.690 have in my own department , the State 47:44.690 --> 47:46.720 Department , uh the Bureau of 47:46.720 --> 47:48.498 International Narcotics and Law 47:48.498 --> 47:50.498 Enforcement Affairs , which is very 47:50.498 --> 47:52.870 actively working with counterparts here 47:52.880 --> 47:55.900 in uh in Ecuador , again , providing a 47:55.900 --> 47:57.740 counter narcotics and counter 47:57.740 --> 47:59.907 transnational organized crime capacity 47:59.907 --> 48:02.018 building assistance . Uh It's totaled 48:02.018 --> 48:04.610 about $30 million in bilateral 48:04.610 --> 48:06.390 assistance since the programme 48:06.390 --> 48:10.110 restarted in in 2018 funding training , 48:10.120 --> 48:12.231 technical assistance . All of this is 48:12.231 --> 48:14.300 already part of what we're doing 48:14.300 --> 48:16.467 together . And as we discussed today , 48:16.467 --> 48:18.689 we'll continue to build on that . Thank 48:18.689 --> 48:21.110 you Muchas gracias complex . 48:21.530 --> 48:24.760 Thank you very much . We thank the 48:24.760 --> 48:27.490 presence of the minister and the 48:27.490 --> 48:29.900 secretary who has the media to please 48:29.900 --> 48:31.970 stay in its place as the authorities 48:31.980 --> 48:34.390 will go back to the rooms . Thank you 48:34.390 --> 48:34.520 very