16:54 | Macas (Ecuador), Oct. 7.
Peru and Ecuador have destroyed over 10,500 anti-personnel landmines placed during the countries' military conflict as part of humanitarian demining works, Ecuador President Rafael Correa affirmed during the opening of the 10th Peru-Ecuador Binational Cabinet on Friday.
The Ecuadorian Head of State assured said achievement is an example of mutually beneficial cooperation, following the border treaty that ended the nations' dispute.
“As far as we know, this is the first time two countries in conflict undertake demining works the way we do. We have cleared an area of over 463,000 square meters, destroying over 10,500 mines between 2000 and September 2015,” he stressed.
Ecuador's leader also remarked that nearly 18 years have passed since the signing of the Brasilia Peace Agreement. The treaty ended the territorial dispute between Peru and Ecuador, bringing peace for the integration of both sides.
“After 18 years, friendship and cooperation ties are irreversible. Peace has taken the form of projects, some completed, others underway and others coming up, to provide communities with services, border security, as well as to join through infrastructure and connectivity,” he stated.
President Correa also expressed his appreciation to Peru for the humanitarian aid provided following the earthquake that hit his country last April 16, Ecuador's worst tragedy over the last 70 years.
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Published: 10/7/2016