Peru and Chile back Moreno's Ecuadorian government

The presidents of Peru and Chile, Martín Vizcarra and Sebastián Piñera, respectively, have backed Lenín Moreno's Ecuadorian government against the violent protests taking place in that country over an austerity plan and a cut in fuel subsidies.

The two presidents expressed their "full support for democracy and the rule of law and reject any attempt to destabilize the Ecuadorian democratic process," Piñera said in a statement read at the end of the third meeting of binational cabinet ministers held in the city of Paracas, south of Lima.

They also praised the efforts to open up spaces for dialogue and understanding in order to channel the requirements of social organizations via peaceful means.

"Just as we have condemned the Venezuelan dictatorship, today we express our full support and support for the rule of law for the people of Ecuador," the Chilean president added.

AGREEMENTS AND ECONOMIC SCENARIO

Vizcarra and Piñera signed agreements including 160 measures on defense and security, trade and investment, energy integration, technology and infrastructure in border areas.

"All of this will allow more opportunities for entrepreneurs, for SMEs, but also for citizens," Piñera said.

Both presidents commented on the negative effects of the global economic slowdown and the trade war between the US and China.

“The world is going through difficult times, we're facing challenges such as climate change and difficulties in international trade, and we see the two great powers – who should be cooperating and leading in these challenges – engaged in this absurd tariff war that has caused a lot of damage," said Piñera.

The two leaders also highlighted the stability of the economies of Peru and Chile compared to the weakness of the other Latin American nations, pointing to the recessions that Argentina and Paraguay are going through, the stagnation of the Mexican and Brazilian economies, the crisis in Ecuador and the "destruction" taking place in Venezuela.

"Peru and Chile have to make a great effort to lead the way forward and be a guide in these difficult times and that is why we are probably going to be competing against one another to be the country with the highest growth this year," he added.