In a recent statement, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio has singled out El Salvador as one of eight countries poised to lead a «new generation with potential pro-U.S. leaders in the Western Hemisphere.» Rubio lauded the nation’s transformation under the leadership of President Nayib Bukele, particularly in terms of security.
«We must recognize that the success of these leaders breeds success for us,» Rubio emphasized, underscoring the importance of strategic partnerships with countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.
During his visit to El Salvador in March 2023, Rubio witnessed what he described as an «extraordinary» change. He noted that a nation once plagued by gangs like MS-13 and Barrio 18, where fear gripped communities and silence was enforced, had rapidly become a bastion of public security within months.
«The primary architect of this transformation, President Nayib Bukele, is keen on collaborating with the United States to further enhance his nation’s security,» Rubio stated.
Thanks to initiatives like the Territorial Control Plan (TCP) and the state of emergency measures, El Salvador currently stands as the safest country in Latin America, boasting over 600 days without homicides. This achievement has positioned it as a role model for other nations in the region, such as Ecuador and Peru, who aim to emulate its security model to combat crime effectively.
Rubio acknowledged that while the names of leaders like President Bukele, President Daniel Noboa of Ecuador, President Javier Milei of Argentina, and others may not frequently make headlines, they govern over vast populations and substantial GDPs, totaling over $1 trillion.
«I believe it’s in our national interest to reciprocate this goodwill,» Rubio expressed, emphasizing that a safer hemisphere benefits the United States by reducing transnational crime and irregular mass migration.
In light of this, Rubio, along with Senator Bill Cassidy, reintroduced the bipartisan Western Hemisphere Security Strategy Act in May 2023. The legislation aims to bolster bilateral and multilateral security cooperation with friendly nations in Latin America and the Caribbean, with a focus on combating illicit drug trafficking.
As the U.S. continues to navigate its relationships in the Western Hemisphere, the spotlight on El Salvador serves as a testament to the potential for collaboration and mutual benefit between nations.