Iran, Ecuador bolster ties

IRAN: Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani has called for strengthening relations between Iran and Ecuador, particularly in the industry and trade sectors.Larijani made the remarks in a meeting with his Ecuadorian counterpart Fernando Cordero late Sunday, IRNA reported.The Iranian Parliament speaker said the two states have a great opportunity to bolster trade ties, urging Tehran and Quito to bolster ties in all spheres, especially in trade, energy, and agriculture.

Cordero said the aim of his trip is to boost bilateral relations.Cordero, who is also Ecuador’s national assembly President arrived in Tehran for a three-day visit at the invitation of his Iranian counterpart.Earlier in February, Iranian Ambassador to Ecuador Majid Salehi called for the expansion of bilateral relations in the transfer of technology, noting that many Ecuadorian firms are interested in doing business with the Islamic Republic.

Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa visited Tehran in 2009 and signed contracts worth of 120-million-dollars.

The two countries are currently working together on oil, gas, and petrochemical production. Ecuador exports an estimated 150,000 boxes of bananas to Iran each month.

Iran has been trying to expand ties with Latin American countries in recent years, with Iranian officials describing the effort as a major foreign policy strategy. Press TV