QNA/Quito

HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani lauded the relations between Qatar and Ecuador, describing his visit to the Latin American country as a success.
Tee Emir’s comments came in a joint statement following the signing of several agreements between the two countries earlier on Saturday. The Emir said he hoped to see the results of the  agreements signed in Quito soon.
He also praised the relations binding the Ecuadorian people with communities living in Ecuador, stressing the peaceful coexistence and the wise leadership of the President Rafael Correa Delgado.
The Emir highlighted the role of Qatar in the alliance of civilisations, and referred to the interfaith dialogue forum held Qatar annually.
In his address President Rafael Correa hailed the relations between Qatar and Ecuador, and praised the role of Qatar and its significant investment in education and human and infrastructure projects, lauding the role of the Education City.  
He also stressed that Ecuador encourages co-operation with Qatar in various fields, particularly in economic and education sectors.
He added that Ecuador shares with Qatar its belief in dialogue among civilisations to achieve peace in the world.
The president also touched on various economic, investment and educational projects being undertaken by Ecuador.
Earlier in the day the Emir and President Correa held official talks at the headquarters of the Ecuadorian government in Quito.  
The talks were attended by HE the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabor al-Thani and the members of the delegation accompanying the Emir.  
On the Ecuadorian side, the talks were attended by a number of ministers and ranking officials.
They discussed facets of bilateral co-operation and means to advance relations in different fields. They also discussed a number of regional and international issues of joint interest.  
Following the talks, the Emir and the president of Ecuador witnessed the signing of an economic, trade and technical co-operation agreement.  
They signed a co-operation agreement in the legal field, an air transport services agreement and a tourism agreement. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on  co-operation in the media sector was also signed.
Other MoUs signed include one between the Qatari Diplomatic Institute of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Jose Peralta School of International Relations of the National Institute of Advanced Studies (IAEN), one in the field of mining and another between the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry (QCCI) and Pro Ecuador Centre and an MoU on investment between Qatar Holding and Ecuador ministry of strategic co-ordination for private sector.
Prior to the official talks, the Emir held a separate meeting with the Ecuadorian president attended by HE the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabor al-Thani and  Ecuadorian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ricardo Patino.
The Emir was accorded an official reception ceremony on arrival.  
President Correa hosted a luncheon banquet in honour of the Emir and the accompanying delegation.  
The luncheon was attended by a number of ministers and ranking officials in Ecuador.
Later in the evening,  the Emir left Ecuador after a one-day official visit.  
The Emir and the delegation accompanying him were seen off at Quito’s international airport by Ecuadorian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ricardo Patino, Qatar’s Acting ambassador to Ecuador Fahad Hamad al-Aeda al-Merri and ambassador of Ecuador to Qatar Qublan Abi Saab, in addition to a number of Ecuadorian cabinet officials and ranking officials.
The Emir also sent a cable to President Correa expressing his thanks for the warm hospitality accorded to him and the accompanying delegation during the visit.