Lula offers Ecuador help in areas of intelligence and security

Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has offered Ecuador assistance in intelligence and security operations. During a recent telephone conversation with Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa, Lula expressed Brazil’s willingness to collaborate in combating criminal organizations.

The Planalto presidential palace, the official workplace of the President of Brazil, released a statement outlining the discussion held between Presidents Lula and Noboa during their recent telephone call on Tuesday (Jan. 23). ”President Lula received an overview from President Noboa regarding Ecuador’s efforts in combating drug trafficking and organized crime. Lula expressed his solidarity with Noboa and conveyed Brazil’s readiness to support Ecuador, particularly through collaborative efforts in intelligence and security,” the note reads.

Ecuador has experienced an explosion of violence – REUTERS/Karen Toro

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During the conversation, Lula highlighted that combating organized crime is also a challenge for Brazil across its governmental levels, exacerbated by the extensive and porous nature of the country’s land and sea borders.

Both leaders concurred on the necessity for South American nations to be “united in combating organized crime, which has far-reaching implications.” They emphasized the “pivotal role of bolstering regional integration as a fundamental step towards addressing this issue.” Additionally, they recognized that “effective measures against drug trafficking require coordinated efforts among drug-consuming countries.

Lula informed Noboa that Brazil presently holds the General Secretariat position within Ameripol, a regional organization comprising thirty member countries focused on fostering cooperation and sharing police intelligence. He explained that the secretariat’s responsibilities include coordinating general actions across the member states.

The crisis

Ecuador has experienced an explosion of violence which resulted in the murder of prosecutor César Suárez, who was investigating a transnational criminal organization operating within the Ecuadorian province of Guayas.