Under the motto “The new Ecuador meets our migrants,” the President of the Republic, Daniel Noboa Azín, met this Monday, November 3, with members of the Ecuadorian community residing in New York.
The meeting took place in the auditorium of LaGuardia Community College, in Queens, with the presence of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility, Gabriela Sommerfeld, who accompanied the president throughout the day.
Although the auditorium was not full, dozens of compatriots attended to greet the president, many carrying tricolor flags and wearing t-shirts with the colors of Ecuador.
“There are few presidents who come and meet with Ecuadorian migrants. I am happy because it shows that he is interested in our needs. I am sure that with him a different path will be opened, a correct one that leads to justice and the aggrandizement of the country,” said Blanca Zhañay, an Ecuadorian resident in New York.
Amid applause and chants of “Long live Daniel Noboa!”, the president entered the auditorium after 11:00 am, received by a group of young people waving the national flag.
“Ecuador needs changes: new laws, regulations and decrees that control what happens in the country. I, as an immigrant, am afraid to return, and that should not be like that. He is doing a good job, but there is a lot of opposition. We should work together for a better country,” commented César Ojeda, a compatriot living in New York.
Minister Sommerfeld highlighted the Government’s work in favor of Ecuadorians abroad:
“For President Noboa’s government, it has been very important to work for Ecuadorians. We design programs that you have valued and experienced, and we continue to work for you. We create mobile consulates, we take ID printers abroad and we advance in the digitization of consular IDs,” he assured.
During the event, the organizers asked the public to refrain from making comments about the electoral process underway in Ecuador, in compliance with the diplomatic norms of the event. In addition, the cell phones of the attendees who were on stage were temporarily confiscated, as a security and control measure during the presidential intervention.
Noboa’s visit to the United States occurs in the middle of the campaign prior to the popular consultation and referendum called for November 16.
In his speech, the president highlighted the role of Ecuadorian migrants in the national economy, highlighting that remittances constitute one of the pillars that support the country. He also announced a new government initiative to improve the quality of life of compatriots abroad, through consular assistance programs, financial support and facilities for voluntary return.
“Every time I meet Ecuadorians outside the country, I am convinced of something: Ecuador did not leave with you, you keep it alive with everything you do. We have seen it especially in these last two years, in the interaction with the consulates, the embassy and the compatriots who from here want to contribute to the change of the country,” said Noboa.
“It has not been easy. We received a country on the edge of the precipice and today it is one of those that has grown the most in the region. You are still part of Ecuador, that is why we are here,” he added.
During the day, they also gave recognition to outstanding Ecuadorians for their work to benefit the community abroad.
However, outside the auditorium, a group of compatriots protested against the president, demanding compliance with the human and collective rights of indigenous peoples.
“We are here to confront President Daniel Noboa, because he arrives after three indigenous brothers were murdered in Ecuador this month. There are also missing children and there is no accountability. This government is fascist and collaborates with the Trump administration,” denounced Charlie Uruchima, Kichwa-Kañari activist and organizer of the protest.
Some media and people were not able to enter the premises.
“They did not allow entry with signs or backpacks. It is clear that they are afraid of the people. We know that he is going to Washington and is another puppet of President Trump, following the same authoritarian course,” added Uruchima.
In an interview with an Ecuadorian media, Noboa mentioned that he hopes to meet with his American counterpart, Donald Trump. Regarding immigration policy, the president stated:
“Our Consulate has a contingency plan to provide efficient and human-quality care, as our people deserve. We have been clear with the United States: we are supportive, but firm in demanding that Ecuadorians treat each other with respect and as human beings.”
Noboa’s visit reinforces his position as one of the Latin American leaders with the greatest ties to the Trump administration, while seeking to strengthen bilateral relations between both countries.
