SVG and Ecuador geared towards better relations

The first round of consultations between this country and the Republic of Ecuador, geared towards the enhancement of fraternal relations between both countries, concluded on May 30.

According to a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Commerce and Information Technology, {{more}}the consultation was as a result of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of both countries, which was concluded on November 12, 2013 between Camillo Gonsalves, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Commerce and Information Technology and His Excellency Galoandrés Yépez Holguín, non-resident Ambassador of the Republic of Ecuador to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

In a brief press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs conference room last Friday, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Commerce and Information Technology Nathaniel Williams and His Excellency Leonardo Arizaga, Vice-Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility, both expressed satisfaction on the outcome of the first round.

Some of the matters discussed were: assistance with the construction of three bridges across mainland St Vincent; the provision of scholarships to students both of Ecuador and St Vincent and the Grenadines to learn English and Spanish in the respective countries; greater cooperation in the area of economic planning and closer collaboration and partnership on matters of mutual benefit to the development of both countries, such as human rights, reparations and cultural exchange.

Further in the release, it stated that chief engineer Brent Bailey, speaking on the construction of the bridges, revealed that improvements will be made to the design of the bridges, which will include access for persons with disabilities and lighting.

The Ecuadorian delegation was given a tour of the Windward side of the island last Friday to view infrastructural developments. On Saturday, May 31, they toured the Leeward side of the mainland.