Washington, DC - Secretary Kerry placed a call this morning to Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Guillaume Long to express condolences for the tragic loss of life in the earthquake.

The Secretary reiterated the commitment of the people of the United States to supporting the Ecuadorian people in this trying time.

He noted to Foreign Minister Long that a USAID Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance team has arrived in Ecuador to coordinate the U.S. response and support the distribution of emergency relief supplies to earthquake-affected populations.

Finally, the Secretary made clear that the United States stands ready to assist in any way possible in the days and weeks ahead.