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Ecuadorian President receives US Secretary of Homeland Security to discuss cooperation
It was Noem’s second trip to Ecuador this year
Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa met this Wednesday with the United States Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, at the former Eloy Alfaro military base, in Manta, Manabí province. The meeting aimed to reinforce bilateral cooperation in combating drug trafficking and transnational organized crime, with special emphasis on the assessment of technological and infrastructural capabilities.
The visit, which included a tour of the base’s runways, platforms and aircraft, takes place as part of Noboa’s initiative to promote a constitutional referendum that could allow the establishment of foreign military bases in Ecuador.
The main objective was to review technological capabilities to detect threats across wide areas, including territorial waters and borders. Those responsible specifically explored the possibility of establishing National Security bases in Ecuador, within the framework of strengthening cooperation and respect for national sovereignty.
Local officials, including Defense Minister Gian Carlo Loffredo, highlighted the site’s history, noting that the Manta base served as the Forward Operating Base (BOA) of U.S. Southern Command until 2009. Noboa reaffirmed his country’s commitment on social media, declaring, “Ecuador will end drug trafficking from Manabí and Santa Elena.” This cooperative initiative is vital given the sharp increase in violence in Ecuador. Official data from the first half of 2025 shows 4,619 homicides, an increase of 47% compared to 2024.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gabriela Sommerfeld, and the Minister of the Interior, John Reimberg, highlighted that transnational crime knows no borders, making international collaboration essential. American support includes not only equipment and materials, but also training and shared courses on the fight against drug trafficking and terrorism.
This is Noem’s second visit this year. In July, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Ecuadorian government signed an agreement for aerial and coastal surveillance. The new visit takes place just before the referendum and popular consultation on November 16, where, among other things, the possible elimination of the constitutional ban on foreign military bases will be voted on. Noboa expressed interest in the United States establishing bases in Manta or Salinas.
On Thursday, Secretary Noem plans to visit the Cosme Rennella air base, in Salinas, Santa Elena, to consolidate technical cooperation mechanisms.