SEATTLE, WA - Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement after concluding a congressional delegation he led to Paraguay, Chile, Colombia, and Panama.

“For the past two decades, the United States has been focused on counterterrorism challenges elsewhere in the world. As we shift our attention to competing in the Indo-Pacific, the United States must work to further strengthen our relationships with partner countries in Latin America who share our values. 

“We must be present holistically through diplomatic, security, and economic engagement. Building strong partnerships are key to addressing regional instability caused by illicit trafficking, armed groups, and migration in the region. We must also be present in the region to provide viable alternatives to the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The PRC frequently uses coercive economic tools to suppress international voices and advance their geopolitical objectives. The United States’ engagement in the region can provide opportunities for Latin American partners to diversify their economic markets and reduce PRC influence that undermines the international rules-based order. Countries want the United States to be their partner of choice and we must ensure our actions make that possible.”

Background

Congressman Adam Smith was joined by Congressman Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.). The delegation started in Asunción, Paraguay where they met with the President and President-elect of Paraguay, senior ministers and minister-designates, and Taiwan’s Ambassador to Paraguay. They then traveled to Santiago, Chile where they met with the Under Secretary for Foreign Affairs, the Vice Minister of Defense, the Commander in Chief of the Chilean Army,  the Deputy Commander of the Directorate of the Maritime Territory and Merchant Marine, and legislative counterparts in the Chamber of Deputies. The delegation also traveled to observe the Southern Star multi-lateral military exercise hosted by Chile. The delegation then traveled to Bogota, Colombia where they met with the Vice Foreign Minister, the Minister of Defense, and the Chief of Defense. The delegation also traveled to Tolemaida, Colombia to meet with U.S. and Colombian military units training together. The delegation concluded in Panama City, Panama where they met with the Foreign Minister, the Vice Minister for Public Security, senior leaders of the National Aeronaval Service, and the Panama Canal Administrator. In all locations the delegation met with senior U.S. diplomats and military leaders.

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