Overview
- On Thursday the pair toured the Cosme Rennella aviation school in Salinas, with U.S. officials reviewing hangars, dining facilities and barracks.
- The visit followed an inspection of the Manta air base on Wednesday, a site that hosted a U.S. forward operating location from 1999 to 2009.
- Ecuadorian officials said any presence would focus on combating organized crime and narcotrafficking, calling Salinas a strategic Pacific point for operations.
- Authorities outlined gaps in equipment and technology and said U.S. cooperation could strengthen armed forces and police efforts.
- President Daniel Noboa has said Ecuador is pursuing agreements with the United States and Brazil, including a potential Amazon site with Brazil, while the Nov. 16 vote also covers political reforms such as reducing assembly seats and altering party financing.