Salazar Leads Congressional Letter to Sec. Rubio Urging Major Non-NATO Ally Designation for Ecuador

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Chairwoman María Elvira Salazar (FL-27), joined by Congressman Carlos Giménez (FL-28), Congresswoman Carol Miller (WV-01), Congressman Vern Buchanan (FL-16), and Congressman Greg Steube (FL-17), sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging the Department of State to designate Ecuador as a Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA). The lawmakers write that the designation would strengthen Ecuador's efforts against transnational drug cartels while advancing U.S. national security interests.
"The battle against the cartels does not stop at Ecuador's borders," said Rep. Salazar. "The United States has a strategic interest in helping democratic allies confront the criminal organizations that threaten our hemisphere. Designating Ecuador as a Major Non-NATO Ally would strengthen one of our closest security partners in the Western Hemisphere."

"The fight against cartels requires strong partnerships," said Congressman Carlos Gimenez. "Recognizing Ecuador as a Major Non-NATO Ally will strengthen one of America's most important democratic partners in the region and enhance our ability to confront the transnational criminal organizations that threaten the security, stability, and prosperity of the Western Hemisphere."

"The United States must continue to strengthen partnerships with trusted allies in our own hemisphere," said Rep. Buchanan. "As Chairman of the House Democracy Partnership, I have seen firsthand Ecuador's commitment to combating organized crime, countering narcotics trafficking and advancing democratic institutions. Recognizing Ecuador as a Major Non-NATO Ally would strengthen our strategic partnership, and I am proud to support this effort."
The letter describes Ecuador as one of the front lines in the fight against transnational drug trafficking, with criminal organizations exploiting the country's Pacific coast as a major corridor for cocaine shipments bound for the United States and Europe. It also highlights the record levels of violence driven by these groups and the enormous security challenges confronting the country.
The lawmakers explain that Major Non-NATO Ally status would expand Ecuador's access to key security benefits, including military financing opportunities, increased training, excess U.S. defense equipment, and advanced counterterrorism technology. These tools would strengthen Ecuador's ability to confront organized crime, protect innocent lives, and stop illegal drugs before they reach the United States.
The letter concludes by urging Secretary Rubio to grant the designation and reaffirm the United States' commitment to supporting Ecuador as it continues its fight against transnational organized crime.

Read the full letter here.

Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) status provides enhanced opportunities for defense and security cooperation with the United States, including:



Currently, 19 countries are designated as Major Non-NATO Allies:

Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Morocco, New Zealand, Pakistan, the Philippines, Qatar, South Korea, Thailand, and Tunisia.
This letter builds on Rep. Salazar's longstanding advocacy for a stronger U.S.-Ecuador security partnership. In 2025, she led a bipartisan effort urging the Administration to provide additional security assistance to help Ecuador defeat the cartels.

As Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, Rep. Salazar oversees congressional efforts to strengthen U.S. engagement across the region, counter transnational criminal organizations, and confront the authoritarian regimes and security threats that undermine democratic stability.