WASHINGTON: Ecuadoran President Daniel Noboa met with US Vice President JD Vance in Washington on Wednesday, just weeks after imposing tariffs on neighboring Colombia over border disputes. The meeting aimed to bolster bilateral cooperation and address shared security concerns.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
The right-wing Ecuadoran leader has been critical of Colombian President Gustavo Petro for failing to curb drug trafficking and illegal mining along their shared border. Noboa's visit was intended to "strengthen bilateral relations, fight drug trafficking" and explore opportunities for Ecuadoran growth, his office announced on X.
Noboa, a staunch ally of US President Donald Trump, is scheduled to address the permanent council of the Organization of American States (OAS) and meet with US lawmakers on Thursday. In contrast, Petro, a leftist, addressed the same body three months ago during an official visit to Washington.
Tariff Dispute Escalates
Last month, Ecuador imposed 100 percent tariffs on Colombian goods, prompting Bogota to retaliate with its own 100 percent tariffs. Both nations recalled their envoys amid escalating tensions.
Since taking office in 2023, Noboa has adopted hardline policies against organized crime, expanding military operations and ordering bombings on Ecuador's border with Colombia. These measures aim to disrupt drug trafficking routes.
Approximately 70 percent of the cocaine produced in Colombia and Peru—the world's largest cocaine producers—transits through Ecuador before being exported via its Pacific ports. The meeting with Vance underscores the US commitment to supporting Ecuador's security efforts.
