INAUGURATION: FRIENDLY BILATERAL WITH FM ESPINOSA

UNCLAS QUITO 000162 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL PINR EC SUBJECT: INAUGURATION: FRIENDLY BILATERAL WITH FM ESPINOSA ¶1. (SBU) Summary: In a brief but cordial bilateral meeting on the eve of the inauguration of President Rafael Correa, Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez met with Foreign SIPDIS Minister-designate Maria Fernanda Espinosa on January 14. Both agreed that more unites our countries than divides them, and that frank dialogue based in mutual respect is the best means to deepen areas of mutual interest. Espinosa expressed GOE interest in USG treatment of Ecuadorian residents, ATPDEA extension, and continued USG assistance programs. Secretary Gutierrez emphasized USG goodwill toward the entering government, laid down his own marker on unhelpful rhetoric, and offered his commitment to help maintain friendly relations. End Summary. Background -------------- ¶2. (SBU) The Secretary of Commerce, visiting Ecuador as the chief of the USDel to the Correa inauguration, was accompanied by Ambassador Jewell, Commerce DAS Walter Bastian, and PolChief (notetaker). The meeting, which started late and was constrained by other events, lasted approximately twenty minutes. Espinosa was joined by MFA Coordinator General Rafael Paredes, who she introduced as her VFM-designate. Press photographers covered the opening of the meeting. Warm Welcome -------------- ¶3. (SBU) Espinosa warmly welcomed Gutierrez,s visit as head of the USDel to the inauguration, expressing GOE appreciation and emphasizing the &enormous positive agenda8 bringing Ecuador and the United States together. The Secretary reciprocated the warm greeting, saying he came to Ecuador to signal &above all, USG respect of Ecuador,s importance and sovereignty,8 agreeing that the two countries have much in common and much to be proud of. He expressed optimism that those who wished to divide us would not succeed. He described his own heritage as an example of the growing bonds which unite our increasingly integrated hemisphere. Ties that Bind -------------- ¶4. (SBU) Espinosa reciprocated the sentiment, emphasizing her willingness to maintain &frank, open and permanent dialogue with the U.S.,8 already begun with the Ambassador. Relations with the U.S. are especially important to the GOE, she said, not only because the U.S. is Ecuador,s largest trade partner, but also because so many Ecuadorians now live there. The GOE is very interested that Ecuadorians receive fair treatment in the U.S., she said, and welcomes the orientation of immigration reforms currently being discussed in the United States. Another tie that binds us, she said, is that of education represented in countless people, including herself (a Rutgers Ph.D.) and president-elect Correa (a U. Illinois Ph.D.),who had studied in the United States. ¶5. (SBU) Espinosa expressed Ecuador,s gratitude for the important assistance the USG has extended over the years, but noted with concern that aid levels are on the decline due to competing demands. &Please do not forget Latin America,8 she said, citing USAID,s important support for the environment, protection of the Galapagos Islands, and development of Ecuador,s northern border region near Colombia. She expressed appreciation for the recent visit by CoDel Reid, saying the new government was very optimistic about the possibility of ATPDEA extension and continued trade relations over the longer term. Agreeing to Disagree, Respectfully -------------- ¶6. (SBU) While some issues will inevitably divide us, Espinosa continued, the new government firmly believes that dialogue is the most appropriate way to overcome them. She used Colombia as an example of a country with which they have a significant disagreement right now but which they hope to solve with dialogue. Secretary Gutierrez agreed that frank dialogue was most effective, suggesting also that public statements are important, and that harmful rhetoric could set back relations unnecessarily. Looking Outward -------------- ¶7. (SBU) Turning to Ecuador,s regional aspirations, Espinosa said the Correa Government wanted to &radiate peace and integration8 throughout the region. She hoped to be able to take advantage of is strategic position to play a special role to advance efforts at integration beyond just lowering tarriffs to rebuilding the Community of Andean Nations, promoting interdependence by extending infrastructure and energy networks, and opening the continent to services. &There is much more to do,8 she said, and Ecuador welcomes the collaboration of the United States. Secretary Gutierrez agreed to the benefits of openness and SIPDIS encouraged the GOE to integrate economically with its neighbors and beyond, citing U.S. membership beyond NAFTA to ASEAN. ¶8. (SBU) In closing, Espinosa regretted that the meeting was short by necessity, pledging to maintain frank and permanent dialogue with the USG through the Ambassador. The Secretary thanked the FM-designate for the meeting, saying the U.S. wished to remain a friend to Ecuador, and that Ecuador could count him among its many friends in the United States. JEWELL