Ecuador's president strives for "refreshing, positive" int´l relations

Ecuador's president-elect Lenin Moreno expressed on Thursday that his government would seek to maintain "refreshing and positive" international relations.

"Our intention is for our relations with all the countries in the world to be highly refreshing and positive," said Moreno, when addressing the corps of ambassadors to Ecuador during a conference.

"I feel great emotion in receiving you as I consider myself a citizen of the world. For us, it is very useful and refreshing to receive the ambassadors," added the president-elect.

Moreno expressed that he believes in a "respectful world in which we can create brotherhoods to fulfill our dreams. Ecuador's embassies will become promoters of the country, and our proposal is to improve international relations."

The president-elect was also congratulated by the ambassadors, who delivered the best wishes on behalf of their respective countries.

U.S. ambassador to Ecuador Todd Chapman, expressed his optimism about maintaining "an excellent relationship" between both countries.

"Our relationship with the United States is and will continue to be extraordinary, and it is our main trading partner," responded Moreno.

He also reiterated his decision to continue supporting the peace process in Colombia, as that country's peace negotiations with the National Liberation Army (ELN) are currently taking place in Ecuador.

"We will to everything within our power to help our Colombian brothers," said Moreno.

He also told the diplomats that Ecuador had seen political stability for 10 years under the presidency of Rafael Correa.

"The 10 years have allowed us to strengthen democracy and institutions," he remarked, adding that his victory in the presidential elections would guarantee a continuity of ideas with Correa, who will step down on May 24.