On November 1, trade ministers of the 34 democracies in the Western Hemisphere met in Quito, Ecuador to advance negotiations aimed at completing the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) by January 1, 2005. The United States achieved the seven key objectives it set forth as negotiating mandates. At Quito, the U.S. energized the FTAA negotiations and secured agreement on a clear timeline to advance talks to a successful conclusion by January 2005.