Hillary’s Visit

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s visit to meet with Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa is important for the strengthening of bilateral relations between these countries. The United States Embassy has announced that it is looking to present the vision of a more extensive relationship between the United States and Latin America. Thus, the United States is without a doubt, going beyond the typical subjects related to trade and anti-drug trafficking policies.

The agenda addresses four main issues: the possibility of an economic bilateral agreement, the United States’ connection with UNASUR, the renewal of the ATPDEA, and the anti-immigration law passed in Arizona. However, it cannot be ruled out that other subjects of interest for any of the two countries will turn up as the dialogue progresses. It would also not be unusual for Secretary Clinton to take advantage of the opportunity to demonstrate, once again, her country’s concern for the respect of freedom of expression, as President Obama and the Venezuelan Ambassador had previously done. And it would also not be unusual for President Correa to raise his concern about Ecuadorian immigrants that find themselves in the United States.

In any case, it is to be desired that Ecuador takes advantage of this situation in order to reinforce relations with its most important trade partner.