The Chair of the El Salvador Caucus in the United States Congress, Representative Anna Paulina Luna of Florida, will meet with President Nayib Bukele on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at the Presidential Palace in San Salvador, according to the Office of the Presidential Delegate for State Protocol.
The meeting, scheduled for 6:00 p.m., aims to reinforce bilateral cooperation between the United States and El Salvador on key areas including national security, human rights, and mutual interests in regional development.
“It is an honor for me to accept a personal invitation to meet with President Bukele. Unlike Senator Van Hollen, who drank margaritas with a cartel member, I will focus on strengthening the partnership between our nations,” said Congresswoman Luna in a statement published on X (formerly Twitter). Her message referred to a controversial meeting between Senator Chris Van Hollen and Kilmar Ábrego García, a deported MS-13 gang member, during the senator’s recent visit to El Salvador.
Luna emphasized that the upcoming dialogue with President Bukele will center on promoting shared democratic values, national pride, and sustained efforts to improve public safety. “We will be discussing our commitment to continue fighting for human rights and enhancing our cooperation,” she stated.
The El Salvador Caucus has played a pivotal role in recent diplomatic progress between the two nations. Members previously supported the repatriation of gang-affiliated prisoners to El Salvador and welcomed the U.S. State Department’s decision to lower the country’s travel advisory to Level 1—equivalent to security levels in several European destinations.
“Thanks to our efforts, the El Salvador Caucus is proud to announce that the State Department has lowered El Salvador’s travel alert to Level 1. Last year, we sent a letter asking the State Department to recognize the change. Enjoy your vacation in Surf City!” the Caucus posted, highlighting El Salvador’s ongoing transformation into a safe and welcoming destination for international travelers.
This high-level meeting is expected to further strengthen the strategic alliance between El Salvador and the United States, with a shared vision for peace, prosperity, and respect for sovereignty.