Quito, 31 August 2022 (TDI): The officials of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the government of Ecuador held a meeting at the US Embassy in Quito, Ecuador.

In the meeting, the Deputy Director of USAID for Latin America, Peter Natiello praised the partnership with Ecuador. Peter Natiello stated, “The United States recognizes Ecuador as a strong and reliable partner in a series of important issues for our societies”.

The release of US$ 19.8 million for Ecuador by the US government and USAID was discussed in the meeting. It was added that this fund will target developmental projects across Ecuador.

There was also a signing of the agreement between Ecuador’s government and USAID’s officials at the Ecuadorian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The meeting included the Foreign Minister, Juan Carlos Holguin, and the President of Ecuador, Guillermo Lasso.

The agreement gave assurance of the support by the US government and USAID to support the Ecuadorian government in governance. It was also added that humanitarian assistance for migrants and natural disasters will also be provided.

The Deputy Director of USAID for Latin America also had a meeting with a range of people from Ecuador. The members of the civil society of Ecuador also held a meeting with the officials of USAID.

The officials of the USAID also interacted with the youth organizations, women activists, and people of indigenous and Afro-Ecuadorian communities

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The purpose of the meeting was to support the efforts to counter financial corruption and enhance transparency. The discussion also focused on the joint efforts for encouraging anti-corruption in Ecuador.

Support for Venezuelan Migrants

USAID announced its complete support for the taking care of and rehabilitation of migrants from Venezuela that are taking asylum in Ecuador. The migrants from the other states and communities will also be provided with humanitarian assistance.

USAID had partnered itself with the World Food Program (WFP) to provide support for the migrants. WFP and USAID had also committed to providing regular food supplies to such migrants in Ecuador at the San Juan De Dios shelter.

The Deputy Director of the USAID in Latin America also visited the shelter of migrants while reviewing the conditions of food.