Creating open markets, improving development assistance, and securing reasonably priced energy supplies are the leading components of a U.S. strategy to engage the hemisphere. John Negroponte cautions that “questionable decision-making in some capitals threatens to spread poverty and inequality.”

Colombian President Álvaro Uribe and key Western Hemisphere ministers explored issues at the forefront of the U.S.-Western Hemisphere agenda during the 37th Annual Washington Conference on the Americas. View a pictorial and summary of the conference.

The Annual Washington Conference on the Americas brought together a dynamic group of trade, finance, and foreign affairs leaders from throughout the hemisphere for discussion on "Building the Americas Consensus". The premier event took place May 1-2 at the Inter-American Development Bank and the US Department of State.<span style="\&quot;font-style:" normal;\"="">

Speaking at the 35th Washington Conference on the Americas, Secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld, discusses the connection between security and economic growth. Rumsfeld explains the steps that have been taken throughout the Americas to combat criminal activities that weaken security and accordingly weaken the economy.

Speaking at the 2005 Washington Conference on the Americas, Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for International Affairs Randal K. Quarles discussed the vast economic growth taking place in Latin America. Quarles also spoke of the effect of good economic policies in creating sustainable growth.

Speaking at the 33rd Washington Conference of the Council of the Americas, Horst Kohler, managing director of the International Monetary Fund, discussed how to maintain economic stability in Latin America. Kohler stated the importance of increased trade and introduced an agenda to encourage economic growth.

Speaking at the 2002 Washington Conference on the Americas, First Deputy Managing Director at International Monetary Fund, Anne Krueger, discuses the economic future of the Americas. Krueger addresses the economic "slow down" in the Americas and elaborates on the crisis in Argentina.