QUITO, Ecuador (AFNS) -- U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. traveled to Ecuador Oct. 12-13, to affirm the U.S.-Ecuador defense partnership and discuss future enhanced cooperation.
Brown met with Minister of Defense Luis Lara Jaramillo, Chief of the Joint Staff of the Ecuadorian Armed Forces Lt. Gen. Nelson Proaño Rodriguez, and Ecuadorian air force Chief of Staff Brig. Gen. Gabriel García Urbina.
During these meetings, Brown recognized Ecuador’s critical role in promoting democratic principles, upholding human rights, and advancing security cooperation. Brown acknowledged the migration challenges, and growing threat and related violence from transnational criminal organizations. He expressed strong support for activities and capabilities to counter illegal activities that undermine common values and threaten national security and economic prosperity in the hemisphere.
Brown praised Ecuador’s ongoing work to strengthen and modernize the Ecuadorian air force to meet humanitarian assistance/disaster response requirements and address current and future threats. The two services agreed on the mutual benefits of training and education and to explore opportunities to partner with 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) and the Inter-American Air Forces Academy on Airman professional development.
Brown also met with Chargé d’Affaires Debra Hevia and U.S. Embassy staff in Quito.