REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, QUITO - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and the first lady, Ani Yudhoyono, arrived in Quito Military Base, Ecuador, on Friday afternoon at local time to start the two-day state visit from June 22-23. His arrival got warm welcome from Ecuador's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ricardo Patino Aroca.
President SBY is the first Indonesian President who visits Ecuador since the opening of diplomatic relationship between two countries in April 29, 1980. His visit was also to pay a visit by Ecuadorian President to Indonesian in 2007, the Presidential Staff for Foreign Affairs, Teuku Faizasyah, said.
"We hope the visit will strengthen our relationship and increase the cooperation in every sector. Ecuador is one of the most important states in South America. It is also a member of FEALAC, a cooperation forum between East Asia countries and Latin America," he said.
SBY planned to meet the President Rafael Correa Delgado eye to eye on Saturday at local time after SBY puts a bouquet in Plaza de la Independencia Heroes Cemetery. The visit will be started by welcoming ceremony in Carondelet Palace. Both countries will also sign some memorandum of understanding. Later on the afternoon, SBY will me Ecuador Parliamentary President, Fernando Cordero.
