ECUADOR-COLOMBIA BILATERAL RELATIONS AT THEIR BEST

Quito, August 10 (PL)- Ecuadoran President Rafael Correa said the bilateral relations between Ecuador and Colombia are at their historical best, after a 21 month break which began in March 2008.

Correa also told the press in Guayaquil that Bogota and Quito are planning the construction of three highways to improve connections between both countries.

These statements come just a week after the meeting between the Foreign Ministers of Colombia María Angela Holguín and her Ecuadoran counterpart Ricardo Patiño, who agreed to hold a meeting in the Ecuadoran city of Tulcan in October, between Correa and his Colombian counterpart Juan Manuel Santos.

The Ecuadorian Armed Forces issued a report that was mentioned by the national press, saying that there are currently 55 illegal trails on the border between the countries.

On August 3, Holguin and Patiño evaluated the fulfilment of last year's commitments and agreed to new strategic guidelines, actions and plans to strengthen bilateral relations.

Both countries discussed the message to the Cabinets of each country for improved relations and integration, and the creation of a "peace zone" to bring equity, peace and progress to the common border.

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