Rubio visits Ecuador to boost anti-drug cooperation and trade ties

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit Ecuador on Wednesday, his first trip to the Andean country in a year, to strengthen joint counter-narcotics operations, including against drug-smuggling vessels, and to advance extraditions. The visit also aims to open commercial opportunities with Quito, signaling a deepening bilateral agenda beyond security. The meeting with President Daniel Noboa is expected to yield concrete commitments, though specifics remain unannounced.