Iran, Ecuador keen to cement ties

TEHRAN, May 26 (MNA) – In a meeting in Tehran late on Wednesday, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Ricardo Patino emphasized the importance of Tehran-Quito ties and called for the consolidation of relations in all spheres. Commenting on the historical affinities between the two nations, Ahmadinejad said that the two countries’ officials should spare no effort to cement ties in all areas through implementing mutual agreements and promoting cooperation. The hegemonistic powers, which are angry about the strong relations between Iran and Ecuador, exert pressure on the two countries, he said, adding that, however, the two countries will always side with each other against their pressure. The Iranian president also praised the revolutionary stances of Ecuador’s nation and government toward international issues and said that the hegemonistic powers’ pressure against the country will backfire. In the meeting, Patino described Tehran-Quito relations as friendly and close and said that the two countries can counter the enemies’ propaganda through promoting mutual cooperation. The Ecuadorian foreign minister also held talks with Iranian Energy Minister Majid Namjou on the same day. After the meeting, he told reporters that both sides discussed various issues, including Ecuador’s allocation of over $400 million for the purchase of oil derivatives from Iran and the construction of a hydro power plant in Ecuador, Press TV reported. He also held talks on Wednesday with Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi and discussed various issues, including bilateral ties.