The President took the view that the lifting of entry requirements into European territory would be beneficial in order to strengthen trade and business ties, increase tourism and academic and cultural exchanges.
In his speech to the heads of state of Latin American and European nations, the President also called for strategic bi-regional integration based on respect for human rights, the rule of law and the strengthening of democracy.
He stressed that the EU was a strategic ally for Ecuador in the fight against organized transnational crime, an alliance he said was necessary to counter crimes such as drug trafficking, illegal mining, human trafficking and migrant smuggling.
The statements come at a time when the South American country is experiencing a surge in violence, which the government attributes to disputes between criminal gangs. Experts point out, however, that economic and social problems are also contributing to the insecurity.
On the other hand, Lasso highlighted his government’s environmental policies, and in particular the debt swap to preserve the Galapagos Islands, a pact that he says generated savings of $1,100 million and set aside $450 million for conservation of the island’s territory.
However, analysts claim that following the agreement with Swiss bank Credit Suisse, the government has ceded sovereignty over this archipelago, considered a natural paradise in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.
Lasso’s agenda in Brussels this Tuesday included a meeting with King Philippe of Belgium to discuss the issue of the Schengen visa, citizen security and the debt preservation swap.
Tomorrow the President will travel to the United States, where he will be at the XXVIII. edition of the World Law Congress in New York City.
He will also speak to members of Congress on US soil to promote the so-called IDEA Act, a provision that defends lassoing as a measure to export products from Ecuador to the northern country duty-free.
rgh/avr