Ecuador’s entry into the Pacific Alliance, one of the points of agreement between Guillermo Lasso and the President of Colombia, Iván Duque | Politics News

The work for Ecuador’s entry into the Pacific Alliance, which could not materialize in Lenin Moreno’s government, was one of the points agreed between President-elect Guillermo Lasso and Colombian President Iván Duque after the first meeting the two leaders had before official possession of the first, on May 24.

“Ecuador needs Colombia’s support for full immediate entry into the Pacific Alliance, we believe in free trade, economic openness, free movement of people, capital and goods, and we will do everything necessary for our government to achieve that economic opening of Ecuador to the world, “Lasso said.

Duque replied that in his capacity as president for time of the Pacific Alliance, promised that Ecuador would be a full member.

“I reiterate not only the interest, but all the help from Colombia because, during this presidency for now, We can guarantee Ecuador’s access to this important Alliance, which has always had to be based on Ecuador from the very beginning, today we see this process very close and we want it to take place in 2021 “, added Duque.

Infrastructure integration, such as the road to Mataje and the link between Pasto and Rumichaca, security cooperation to combat transnational organized crime, drug and terrorism trafficking and environmental protection in the fight against illegal fishing and the Leticia Pact were other topics. discussed.

From Prosur, Iván Duque said that access to the vaccine against COVID-19 will be promoted, based on the premise that no one is safe until everyone is immunized.

Lasso also ratified Ecuador’s commitment to the region in the defense of democracy and freedom of expression.

Earlier, on his official Twitter account, Duque reported that the goal is to “draw a roadmap” for bilateral relations. “We are united by brotherhood and common goals in trade, security, migration and multilateralism,” the Colombian president said.

The agenda includes a visit to the Casa de Nariño, the seat of the Colombian government, a lunch and afternoon press statements.

Meanwhile, Lasso stressed that the main issues are security, trade and bilateral cooperation. “Colombia and Ecuador are united by democracy, freedom, equal opportunities and security,” he said.

Lasso traveled with his wife, María de Lourdes Alcívar, as well as several members of his team, including the person in charge of the transition and a former candidate for mayor of Quito Juan Carlos Holguín and Iván Correa. (I)