#2020WCA Video: Mike Pompeo, U.S. Secretary of State
#2020WCA Video: Mike Pompeo, U.S. Secretary of State
The secretary spoke about the importance of private business to deepen ties, promote freedom, and diffuse the influence of the Chinese in Latin America.
Speakers
- Mike Pompeo, Secretary of State, United States
- Andrés Gluski, Chairman, Americas Society/Council of the Americas
- Susan Segal, President and CEO, Americas Society/Council of the Americas
- Eric Farnsworth, Vice President, Council of the Americas
The Trump administration is focused on the economic trajectory of the Western Hemisphere, but that economic prosperity depends on freedom, said U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in remarks delivered as part of the 2020 Washington Conference on the Americas virtual series. Only the citizens of Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela were not living under democratic administrations but, he said, “We’re working to change those outliers,” including through multilateral coalitions such as the Lima Group and the Organization of American States. Before answering some questions from COA members, Pompeo closed by stressing the importance of strengthening U.S. business in Latin America as a way to counter the influence of China, which he warned would take advantage of the COVID-19 crisis to grow its footprint in the region. The secretary also spoke about how the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), due to enter into force on July 1, will help to solidify North American trade ties. “When the dust is settled, our companies will have new clarity,” he said.
COA Vice President Eric Farnsworth opened the event and gave a preview of the 2020 WCA series. AS/COA President and CEO Susan Segal then gave opening remarks. AS/COA Board Chair Andrés Gluski moderated the event.
