New nuclear chapter: US and Ecuador sign cooperation agreement
This type of agreement "also fosters a long-term commitment to U.S. industry," the State Department recalled.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa.
The United States and Ecuador signed a memorandum of cooperation for the civilian nuclear sector on Wednesday, the State Department said in a statement.
Ecuador is a member of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and has decided to cooperate closely with the Trump administration on trade, military and counter-narcotics issues. In March, the FBI opened an office in the Andean country.
"The signing of this Memorandum reflects our mutual determination to develop a strong civil nuclear energy partnership, strengthen energy security and expand economic cooperation, while promoting the highest standards of nuclear safety, physical protection and non-proliferation," detailed the statement quoted by AFP.
"Long-term commitment to U.S. industry"
The document was signed by Undersecretary of State Christopher Landau and Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Gabriela Sommerfeld.
The memorandum will allow for "the development of infrastructure for the responsible use of nuclear energy in electricity generation, research reactors and the production of medical isotopes," the text added.
These types of agreements "also foster a long-term commitment to U.S. industry," the State Department recalled.
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A reciprocal trade agreement
In exchange, U.S. companies gain access to Ecuador without industrial or sanitary barriers.
Ecuador is part of the alliance of 17 countries created by President Donald Trump to combat drug cartels in the continent.
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