Ecuador and Brazil Promote Cooperation, Plead for Integration
Brazil´s Foreign Minister Celso Amorim wound up on Wednesday a visit to Ecuador aimed at promoting cooperation, bilateral trade and South American integration. During his 24-hour stay in Quito, Amorim reviewed issues linked to financing projects in Ecuador, scientific collaboration and South-South air cooperation.

"I didn´t come to do business, diplomacy creates the atmosphere; business people come later and do business", he stressed during a press conference shortly before leaving Quito.

During his meetings with Ecuadorian President Alfredo Palacio and other officials, Amorim considered the possibility to provide 190 million dollars to finance the Toachi Pilaton hydroelectric project.

He also pleaded for cooperation in infrastructural projects as part of the Manta-Manaus axis including the construction of an international airport in eastern Tena.

Amorim also showed interest in providing credit to speed up the construction of the Quito-Guayaquil freeway.

The visiting Brazilian official also highlighted the importance of achieving regional integration, specially "South American financial, economic integration".