Ecuador assumed the presidency pro tempore of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) at the conclusion of the regional body’s Third Summit in San José, Costa Rica, January 29.
Costa Rican President Luis Guillermo Solís entrusted the responsibility held by his country for the last 12 months to Ecuador, commenting, “It has been a privilege to preside this organization.” Costa Rica will continue to serve on the alliance’s governing quartet in 2016.
In his acceptance speech, President Rafael Correa emphasized five key CELAC objectives: the reduction of poverty and inequality; science, technology and innovation; the environment and climate change; reorganizing the region’s financial structure; and development of the bloc’s international strength.
