Los Angeles-President Biden held a summit meeting on Wednesday and promised Latin American leaders that the United States had promised to help fight crime, corruption, and economic struggles in the region.
“These challenges affect us all,” Biden told leaders at the opening ceremony of the Summit, a gathering of countries in the Western Hemisphere aimed at addressing common issues in the region. “All of our countries are responsible for strengthening and relieving the pressures people are feeling today.”
The United States serves as the host country for the ninth of these summits, which began in Miami in 1994. In a nutshell, Mr Biden provided a version of the domestic economic pitch, encouraging the hemispherical government to invest in workers and the middle class. class.
“What’s true in the United States is true in every country. Trickle-down economics doesn’t work,” he said, applauding the audience in the Microsoft Theater near the Los Angeles Convention Center.
“When we invest in strengthening workers and the middle class, the poor have ladders and the top people are doing well. That increases opportunities and creates lasting inequality. It’s a way to reduce it. “
Biden hopes to use the summit to reaffirm US leadership in the region and make diplomatic progress in many ways, but his efforts already face serious challenges. doing.
His call to “start working to build a future suitable for the region” was defeated a few days ago by some of the leader’s most prominent people. Decline attendanceCiting the president’s refusal to invite leaders from Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela.
But Biden proceeded Wednesday night as if the snabs made no difference, and the rally in Los Angeles was groundbreaking and integrated for him to “manage migration and share responsibility across the hemisphere.” He said he would announce what he called a “new approach.”
White House officials refused to provide details, but those familiar with the effort said the government was working on a pledge for each to accept a certain number of refugees from the region. rice field.
Critics have questioned the value of such a declaration without the leaders of Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador. Generates almost 66% of migration Attending the border with the United States every year.
Government officials said these countries supported the effort despite their absence. In his statement, Biden said the declaration “represents a mutual commitment to invest in regional solutions that increase stability and increase opportunities for safe and orderly migration.”
Leaders will begin a formal meeting on Thursday.
