This Monday, President Obama met with President Mauricio Funes of El Salvador to discuss trade, security, the environment - the three central elements of the administration's agenda for Latin America. President Obama commended President Funes for taking bold steps to "break down political divisions within the country and move it forward with a spirit of progress" and for his "pragmatic and wise approach to the situation in Honduras".
In his remarks following the meeting, President Obama commented that the positive relations between the countries is partially due to the 2 million Salvadorians working in the United States and sending remittances back to their country, stating that the ties "provide an outstanding foundation for continuing cooperation" between the two countries." President Funes replied, stating the need to generate more jobs in El Salvador because when "people have better jobs, health, and education, they will be able to remain in [their] countries and have a better life."
Obama also suggested interest in a multilateral project between the United States, Brazil, and El Salvador to pursue measures that would expand biofuels and energy development, which would benefit all three countries. He also touched on regional security issues, primarily surrounding drug trafficking and gangs, emphasizing the commitment to be supportive not only in addressing the symptoms, but also the root causes of the issues. The President closed by stressing that the relationship between the United States and El Salvador is one based on mutual interest and mutual respect, a sentiment echoed by President Funes in his remarks.
President Funes commended President Obama's new vision of how to deal with the hemisphere, and particularly Central America. President Funes closed by saying that he hopes to have a strong alliance and strategic, equal partner in the United States.
On March 4th at 11:45am, please join NDN's Latin American Policy Initiative Chair, Nelson Cunningham, Panamanian Ambassador Jaime E. Aleman, and Congressman Eliot Engel for a conversation on the challenges and opportunities in the relationship between the United States and Panama, and a unique perspective on bilateral relations.
The purpose of this series is to establich an ongoing dialogue to better inform those interested in Latin American policy.
As many of you know, this event was originally scheduled for February 11th but was rescheduled due to the inclement weather in Washington, DC.
Space is limited for this event, so please RSVP as soon as you can to reserve a spot. We will serve lunch at 12:00pm, and the discussion will begin at 12:15pm. The event will take place at 2255 Rayburn in the Capitol Complex.
For more information of if you have questions, please contact Sarah Sanchez at ssanchez@ndn.org.
A Conversation with the Panamanian Ambassador Thursday, March 4, 11:45am 2255 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Click Here to RSVP
On Tuesday, January 19th, please join Colombian Ambassador Carolina Barco for a luncheon and discussion on priorities in the relationship between Colombia and the United States. This forum is part of NDN's Latin American Policy Initiative, a program dedicated to building understanding of Latin America and the salient issues affecting each country individually.
We will serve lunch at 12:00pm, and the discussion will run from 12:15 pm - 1:30 pm. The event will take place at NDN, 729 15th Street, NW, between H St. and New York Avenue.
If you are unable to join us, you can watch a live webcast starting at 12:15pm ET.
If you have questions, or for more information about the event, please contact Sarah at ssanchez@ndn.org.
Building on its years of work advocating for a modern approach to America’s growing Latino community, NDN is developing a robust inter-American policy program to focus on issues affecting countries in Latin America. The Latin America Policy Initiative, has three parts: the Latin America Policy Seminar, the Latin America Policy Studies Program and the Latin America Policy Forum.
This Monday, President Obama met with President Mauricio Funes of El Salvador to discuss trade, security, the environment - the three central elements of the administration's agenda for Latin America. President Obama commended President Funes for taking bold steps to "break down political divisions within the country and move it forward with a spirit of progress" and for his "pragmatic and wise approach to the situation in Honduras".
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