On the night of the 1st of November, President Guillermo Lasso traveled to Washington, where he participated in the first Cumbre de Líderes de la Alianza para la Prosperidad Económica de las Américas (APEP, in English), event convened by Joe Biden, president the United States.

Upon his arrival, the President emphasized that the summit would address issues related to the economy, sustainability and equity. “To be able to establish relationships with other countries in the region like Peru, Colombia, the United States and also see opportunities for solutions to our own current problems,” the president said.

He mentioned that besides the summit, his main concern is the energy crisis that Ecuador is going through. He highlighted the agreements reached with Colombia and Peru for the supply of energy and the fact that today electricity rationing has decreased. “I’m not going to rest until this ends very soon,” he said.

Before leaving Quito on Wednesday morning, Lasso said the event will “influence regional decisions that promote trade and inclusive and sustainable development.”

The APEP summit will take place on Friday, November 3. It is made up of the United States, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Dominican Republic, Uruguay, Canada and Barbados.

The heads of state of the convened countries will address issues of regional competitiveness, good governance, sustainable infrastructure, climate, environment and healthy communities, reported the General Secretariat of Communication of the Presidency (Segcom).

In addition, Lasso will also participate as a speaker in the Alliance of the Americas – Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Responsible Investment Forum, which will be the prelude to the APEP Summit. It will address inclusive and sustainable financing.

While in Washington, the president plans to meet with regional leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

He will also meet with IDB President Ilan Goldfain and US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen. (YO)