In a recent address at the Conference on the Americas, Jake Sullivan, stepping in for Secretary Antony Blinken, who was in Guatemala addressing the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection, underscored the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to reinforcing partnerships across the Western Hemisphere. The keynote speech revolved around the administration’s approach to tackling primary challenges in the region, including economic prosperity, security threats, democracy, and migration.
Economic Prosperity and the Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity
Sullivan emphasized the administration’s pivot towards inclusive economic growth, acknowledging that while free trade agreements had made significant progress, they had not fully realized inclusive growth. The Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity, launched with 11 regional leaders, aims to make the Americas the most economically competitive region worldwide. This initiative focuses on resilient supply chains, sustainable infrastructure, and good jobs, with significant steps such as Intel’s $1.2 billion investment in Costa Rica’s semiconductor operations highlighted.
“The Partnership represents 90 percent of the Western Hemisphere’s GDP, and nearly two-thirds of its people.”
Security Challenges and Partnerships
Sullivan also tackled the multifaceted security challenges in the hemisphere, highlighting the situation in Haiti and the comprehensive strategies to counter synthetic opioids and transnational crimes. The administration has collaborated with various countries to bolster Haiti’s security and political stability. Efforts such as the new Counternarcotics Working Group with China and the Trilateral Fentanyl Committee with Mexico and Canada showcase the commitment to a coordinated approach to security threats.
Democracy Across the Americas
The defense of democracy in the region was a central theme, with Sullivan praising recent actions in Guatemala to ensure the peaceful transition of power as a sign of the region’s resilience. However, he noted the ongoing struggles in countries like Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua. The administration remains committed to holding the Maduro regime accountable and supporting democratic aspirations across the Americas.
“Today, the Americas is the second most democratic region on the planet. We have to make it the most democratic region on the planet.”
Migration and the Los Angeles Declaration
Addressing the historically high migration levels, Sullivan explained the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection’s framework, focusing on addressing root causes, expanding legal pathways, and promoting humane enforcement of borders. He highlighted the significant reduction in irregular migrant encounters at the U.S. southwest border as evidence of the declaration’s impact.
A Vision of Prosperity and Partnership
Closing his speech, Sullivan shared an optimistic vision for the future of the Americas, echoing President Biden’s sentiment from 11 years prior about the region’s potential to become the most prosperous, democratic, and secure in the world.
“…there is no reason why the Americas should not be the most prosperous, democratic, secure region in the world.”
In a gesture toward future cooperation, Sullivan affirmed the administration’s commitment to building a stronger, more integrated Western Hemisphere, emphasizing the power of partnership in achieving common goals and tackling shared challenges.