Biden hosts Ecuador president at the White House

Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso will meet with President Joe Biden at the White House to discuss security and other issues -- delicately trying to balance his nation's deep interests with both the United States and China.

Lasso arrives in Washington with a list of priorities.

“Without a doubt, yes, we have been allies for decades now,” Lasso said. “And I am here to reaffirm that theory that we share among us as allies in our fight for democracy, peace and justice — not only in the region but also to support your vision throughout the world.”

“Today we’re going to keep building on the progress we’ve made," Biden said at the start of an Oval Office meeting with Lasso. “Together, we’ve made historic strides."

He also applauded Lasso for condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine, another issue for the White House talks.

Biden is expected to focus on the immigration crisis at the US border with Mexico, according to the US Customs and Border Protection office.

Days before Lasso's visit, Ecuador got some good news from Washington.

The International Monetary Fund approved the immediate disbursement of $700 million after completing a final review of a fund facility for Ecuador aimed.

And the US Congress passed a bipartisan bill for the 2023 fiscal year that aims to help strengthen democratic institutions, foster more inclusive growth, and support environmental initiatives and the fight against corruption, crime and "malign foreign influence."