San Salvador, El Salvador – In a landmark moment for U.S.-El Salvador relations, Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited San Salvador to sign a memorandum of understanding on civil nuclear energy cooperation. The agreement marks a significant step in the Central American nation’s push for energy independence and technological advancement.
Strengthening U.S.-El Salvador Ties
During the signing ceremony, El Salvador’s Foreign Minister Alexandra Hill expressed deep gratitude for the visit, highlighting the close ties between the two nations.
“His Excellency the Secretary of State, my friend, Marco Rubio, and members of his delegation… I feel privileged today and filled with enormous gratitude toward the people and the new administration of the United States of America,” Hill stated. “This memorandum of understanding also opens the doors to develop nuclear applications for essential sectors such as medicine, agriculture, water resource management, and safe waste management.”
The agreement is a milestone in President Nayib Bukele’s vision for El Salvador, as the country looks to diversify its energy sources while fostering economic growth. By incorporating nuclear energy into its infrastructure, the nation aims to provide affordable, 24/7 electricity independent of fluctuating oil prices.
A New Era of Security and Prosperity
Secretary Rubio, making his first official visit to El Salvador in his role, emphasized the progress the country has made under President Bukele’s leadership.
“It’s great to be here in a nation, among people with which we have so much in common,” said Rubio. “A country that was once known for violence and the inability to live openly and freely has now become one of the most secure in the hemisphere.”
The Secretary of State also announced an unprecedented migration agreement with President Bukele. According to Rubio, El Salvador has pledged to accept for deportation any illegal alien in the United States who is a criminal, regardless of nationality, and house them in its prisons. Additionally, Bukele has offered to detain dangerous American criminals, including U.S. citizens and legal residents, within Salvadoran facilities.
“No country’s ever made an offer of friendship such as this,” Rubio declared. “It’s just one more sign of what an incredible friend we have in President Bukele and the people of El Salvador.”
Looking Forward
The nuclear energy agreement and new migration policies underscore the strengthening relationship between the United States and El Salvador. As the Central American nation continues to develop its infrastructure and economy, U.S. support will play a pivotal role in its transformation.
With this historic visit, Secretary Rubio reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to fostering innovation, security, and economic prosperity in El Salvador. As both nations move forward, this collaboration is poised to bring lasting benefits to their citizens and deepen the friendship between the two allies.
