US and Ecuador Sign Civil Nuclear Cooperation Memorandum

State Dept Press Releases

Published April 1st, 2026

Detected April 2nd, 2026

Summary

The U.S. Department of State announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding concerning strategic civil nuclear cooperation with Ecuador. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and Ecuadorian Minister of Foreign Affairs Gabriela Sommerfeld signed the agreement on April 1, 2026. The MOU establishes a framework for advancing peaceful civil nuclear cooperation, promoting nuclear safety, security, and nonproliferation standards.

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What changed

The United States and Ecuador signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Concerning Civil Nuclear Cooperation on April 1, 2026, establishing a framework for peaceful civil nuclear partnership. The agreement aims to develop infrastructure for responsible nuclear energy use in power generation, research reactors, and medical isotope production while promoting the highest standards of nuclear safety, security, and nonproliferation.

This MOU represents a diplomatic tool for expanding strategic civil nuclear ties between the United States and Ecuador, enabling long-term engagement with U.S. industry and supporting economic cooperation. No specific compliance deadlines, reporting requirements, or penalties are associated with this agreement. Government agencies and potential industry participants should monitor for subsequent implementing agreements that may establish operational requirements.

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Home Office of the Spokesperson Press Releases … United States and Ecuador Sign Memorandum of Understanding Concerning Strategic Civil Nuclear Cooperation hide

United States and Ecuador Sign Memorandum of Understanding Concerning Strategic Civil Nuclear Cooperation

Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson

April 1, 2026

On April 1, 2026, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and Minister of Foreign Affairs Gabriela Sommerfeld of the Republic of Ecuador signed a Memorandum of Understanding Concerning Civil Nuclear Cooperation to advance peaceful civil nuclear cooperation between the United States and Ecuador.

Under the Trump Administration, the United States and Ecuador have strengthened their partnership based on a shared commitment to economic prosperity and security. The signing of this Memorandum reflects our mutual resolve to develop a robust civil nuclear partnership, strengthen energy security and expand economic cooperation while promoting the highest standards of nuclear safety, security, and nonproliferation.

Such Memoranda are important diplomatic tools developed during President Trump’s first term in office. They lay the foundation for expanding strategic civil nuclear ties between the United States and key partners. This enables the development of infrastructure for the responsible use of nuclear energy in power generation, research reactors, and production of medical isotopes. Such Memoranda also promote long-term engagement with U.S. industry and support enduring strategic relationships with the United States.