Risch and Shaheen urge stronger relations between the U.S. and Bolivia

U.S. Senators Advocate for Closer Ties with Bolivia

Sens. Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-Idaho) emphasized the importance of strengthening relationships between the U.S. and Bolivia after centrist Rodrigo Paz was elected as Bolivia’s president. This election took place on Sunday.

Risch and Shaheen are the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, respectively.

In a joint statement, they said, “We congratulate President-elect Rodrigo Paz, the newly elected members of the Bolivian National Assembly, and the Bolivian people on this significant election. These results reflect the desires of the Bolivian population to pursue a new direction for their nation and signify a win for peaceful and democratic change in the region.”

Paz defeated conservative candidate Jorge Quiroga by about nine points and is set to take office on November 8. His victory marks a transition away from two decades of leftist governance in the country.

Prior to the election, Paz visited Washington, D.C., expressing his interest in fostering improved relations with the United States. The diplomatic ties between the two countries had been strained since 2008 when then-President Evo Morales expelled U.S. Ambassador Philip Goldberg.

Since that incident, Bolivia has lacked an ambassador to the U.S., with Debra Hevia currently serving as chargé d’affaires. Bolivia is experiencing an economic crisis, largely attributed to diminishing natural exports and the collapse of its nationalist economic model.

According to the Office of the United States Trade Representative, the trade in goods and services between the U.S. and Bolivia reached approximately $1.6 billion last year. The U.S. recorded a goods trade deficit of $72.9 million while having a services trade surplus of $283 million with Bolivia.

Risch and Shaheen noted that the U.S. should “strengthen its diplomatic presence” in Bolivia, citing shared “important diplomatic, economic, and security interests.” They expressed eagerness to collaborate with Secretary of State Marco Rubio to enhance the U.S.-Bolivia relationship.

When asked for comments, the State Department responded to The Hill, referring to a joint statement released alongside several South and Central American governments. Rubio also released a statement, congratulating Paz.

Rubio remarked that Paz’s election “presents an opportunity for change for both countries.” He mentioned that the U.S. is prepared to work with Bolivia on issues like illegal immigration, bilateral investments, and combating transnational crime.