The Secretary-General met in Quito this morning with the Foreign Minister of Ecuador, Ricardo Patino. They discussed efforts to consolidate democracy in Ecuador following the events of 30 September 2010, and the Secretary-General noted the beneficial role of broad-based dialogue in that process.

They also discussed, among other topics, the state of climate change negotiations and developments in the Middle East, including in Egypt and Tunisia. The Secretary-General welcomed the improved relations between Ecuador and Colombia.

In further discussions, the Secretary-General noted the welcome Yasuni-ITT initiative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Foreign Minister indicated that Ecuador would play an important role at the Rio+20 talks on the environment and the discussion in June on global economic governance.