Today, U.S. Under Secretary for Global Affairs Maria Otero and Bolivian Vice Foreign Minister Juan Carlos Alurralde signed a Framework Agreement to guide relations between the United States and Bolivia. The accord establishes a framework by which the two governments will pursue relations on the basis of mutual respect and shared responsibility.
The "Framework Agreement for Mutually Respectful and Collaborative Bilateral Relations between the Government of the Plurinational State of Bolivia and the Government of the United States of America" outlines several critical areas for future collaboration between Bolivia and the United States.
The Agreement’s objectives include strengthening and deepening bilateral relations, with respect for sovereign states and their territorial integrity; promoting human, economic, social, and cultural development in an environmentally sustainable manner; supporting cooperative and effective action against illicit narcotics production and trafficking, on the basis of shared responsibility; enhancing law enforcement cooperation; and strengthening the commercial relationships between Bolivia and the United States through the Trade and Investment Council.
The Framework Agreement also establishes a Joint Commission and provides for working-level mechanisms to ensure the effective implementation of this accord.
The Agreement provides both governments with the mechanisms to work together on issues of mutual concern. We look forward to the early return of ambassadors to both Washington and La Paz and to a more productive, collaborative relationship for the benefit of both our peoples.
