Calls to Recognize Ecuador as a Major Non-NATO Ally to Strengthen Their Strategic Partnership with the United States
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Vern Buchanan (FL-16) joined a letter led by Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar (FL-27), alongside Congressman Carlos Giménez (FL-28), Congresswoman Carol Miller (WV-01) and Congressman Greg Steube (FL-17), urging Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the Department of State to designate Ecuador as a Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA).
“The United States must continue to strengthen partnerships with trusted allies in our own hemisphere,” said Rep. Buchanan. “As Chairman of the House Democracy Partnership, I have seen firsthand Ecuador’s commitment to combating organized crime, countering narcotics trafficking and advancing democratic institutions. Recognizing Ecuador as a Major Non-NATO Ally would strengthen our strategic partnership, and I am proud to support this effort.”
“The battle against the cartels does not stop at Ecuador’s borders,” said Rep. Salazar. “The United States has a strategic interest in helping democratic allies confront the criminal organizations that threaten our hemisphere. Designating Ecuador as a Major Non-NATO Ally would strengthen one of our closest security partners in the Western Hemisphere.”
The letter describes Ecuador as one of the front lines in the fight against transnational drug trafficking, with criminal organizations exploiting the country’s Pacific coast as a major corridor for cocaine shipments bound for the United States and Europe. It also highlights the record levels of violence driven by these groups and the enormous security challenges confronting the country.
The lawmakers explain that Major Non-NATO Ally status would expand Ecuador’s access to key security benefits, including military financing opportunities, increased training, excess U.S. defense equipment and advanced counterterrorism technology. These tools would strengthen Ecuador’s ability to confront organized crime, protect innocent lives and stop illegal drugs before they reach the United States. Ensuring the greater protection of our citizens.
Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) status provides enhanced opportunities for defense and security cooperation with the United States, including:
- Eligibility for certain U.S. military financing and defense loans
- Expanded military training and education opportunities with the United States
- Priority access to Excess Defense Articles, including certain U.S. defense equipment
- Eligibility to participate in cooperative defense research and development projects
- Increased access to counterterrorism cooperation and technology
- Opportunities for U.S. defense industry partnerships and defense procurement cooperation
The letter concludes by urging Secretary Rubio to grant the designation and reaffirm the United States commitment to supporting Ecuador as it continues its fight against transnational organized crime.
Currently, 19 countries are designated as Major Non-NATO Allies: Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Morocco, New Zealand, Pakistan, the Philippines, Qatar, South Korea, Thailand, and Tunisia.
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