Iran Ecuador stress on expansions of their ties

Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Ecuador's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Integration, Ricardo Patino emphasized the expansion of ties, in a meeting here on Wednesday. “Iran and Ecuador should facilitate the implementation of cooperation between the two countries in all fields; Tehran and Quito are in the frontline of resistance against oppressive world powers; Ecuador president is an elected popular one and western pressures will not hurt this united nation and government,” he added.

Ecuador foreign minister, for his part welcomed the development of relations with Tehran, adding that the two nations’ cooperation is in the interest of both and it would deter the enemy's plots.

Iran has been pushing for the expansion of its ties with Latin American countries in recent years, describing the effort as a major foreign policy strategy.

Iran's soaring popularity in Latin America has raised concerns in the United States, which remains actively engaged in a tireless global campaign to isolate Tehran over its nuclear program. Washington considers Latin America as its 'strategic backyard.'

During the presidencies of Correa and Ahmadinejad in the 21st century, relations between the two countries were strengthened. Amongst closer ties both countries established embassies in each other's capitals.

In a December 2008 visit to Tehran, Ecuadorian President signed several agreements. As a member of ALBA, Correa participated in a joint declaration of support to the Iranian government in June 2009.

Economic ties have grown during the Correa and Ahmadinejad administration. Like other states in Latin America, Iran has extended financing for a host of projects. Ecuador, in turn, has become the primary importer of Iranian products having replaced Peru. Ecuador and Iran have also cooperated in the port, agriculture and auto industries.

Despite US pressure, Correa has affirmed commitment to the relationship saying 'we have nothing against Iran. Iran has done nothing to us; we are not going to stop getting closer to Iran because the United States has it on a black list.

Ecuador also has affirmed support, along with various other international states, for Iran's peaceful nuclear program.

After an attempted coup on Correa in 2010, the two countries signaled intentions to deepen ties.