“Ecuador has, after having gone through very hard times, and especially in regards to its international relationships, has decided to come together again with the international community and refresh relationships," Moreno said in the Oval Office. “We need to remember that the U.S. is the main trading partner for Ecuador.”Trump's trade negotiator, Robert Lighthizer, was expected to participate in the meeting. Ecuador has received $72 million from the United States to assist with the influx of people leaving Venezuela. Moreno said he also wanted to talk to Trump about drug trafficking and the fight against corruption and organized crime. Moreno is at a weak moment of his presidency after nearly two weeks of violent protests last year over his decision to end fuel subsidies.

Source: International New York Times February 12, 2020 20:11 UTC