On November 4-5, 2024, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Western Hemisphere Affairs, Jana Nelson, welcomed Ecuadorian Minister of Defense Gian Carlo Loffredo Rendon to the Pentagon for the second annual U.S.-Ecuador Defense Bilateral Working Group (DBWG). The two-day meeting focused on reinforcing the strategic defense relationship between the U.S. and Ecuador.
The U.S. delegation featured officials from the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Joint Staff, U.S. Southern Command, and several other agencies, underscoring the commitment of both nations to strengthen security collaboration. Key discussion topics included countering transnational criminal organizations, enhancing institutional capacity, and expanding information sharing to support regional security.
The DBWG serves as a strategic platform to direct future cooperation and reinforce mutual values between the U.S. and Ecuador. Both sides expressed commitment to continue annual meetings, marking a shared dedication to maintaining a robust defense partnership.–News Desk