Ecuador-Colombia : eight agreements and best wishes

The first bi-national cabinet between Ecuador and Colombia concluded the signing of eight agreements in the last hours, meant to boost the development of both nations while both presidents sent their best wishes for Hugo Chavez' speedy recovery.

Judging by the agreements signed by the parties, the neediest people on both sides of the border will be the main beneficiaries.

One of the commitments aims at promoting tourism with the reform of the Esmeraldas 1.990 agreement, thereby allowing free passage between the two nations for recreative purposes.

They also signed agreements to work together in education, a field in which a plan to grant scholarships for students from both countries was established along with support for university students through education credits.

The issue of highway administration and infrastructure was given great importance, as the Rumichaca bridge is planned to be built to improve overland connections.

The creation of a new integrated border center, near the Mataje River, is one of the aspirations concretized by the parties, similar to that in Carchi, which offers customs, immigration and narcotics control services.

The eighth agreement signed is related to the opening of the possibility for Ecuadoran and Colombian citizens to receive medical care in institutions near their homes in the border.

The host president described the day as historic, with a structured agenda and in an environment of communication, friendship and trust.