In a phone call with Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Gabriela Sommerfeld on July 8, 2025, Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the importance of collaborating to curb illegal mass immigration and combat transnational crime in the Western Hemisphere.
The discussion centered around strengthening bilateral relations and promoting security throughout the region. The Secretary commended the Noboa Administration for its successful capture of notorious narcotrafficker José Adolfo Macías Villamar, alias Fito, highlighting the value of their partnership in achieving this outcome.
Rubio underscored Ecuador's key role in addressing the issue of illegal mass migration and expressed his commitment to working together to develop effective strategies. He also discussed ways to enhance security cooperation between the two countries, including intelligence sharing and capacity-building initiatives.
The Secretary noted that a strong partnership is essential in combating transnational crime and promoting regional stability. He pledged continued support for Ecuador's efforts to address these challenges and invited Minister Sommerfeld to explore opportunities for enhanced collaboration on key issues.
By strengthening their working relationship and cooperation on these critical issues, the United States and Ecuador can better address the complex challenges facing our shared region.
The conversation between Secretary Rubio and Foreign Minister Sommerfeld marked an important step forward in bolstering bilateral ties and promoting mutual understanding.