Quito - More than a year and a half after Colombia bombed a Colombian rebel stronghold in Ecuador, the two South American countries Friday took the first steps toward normalising their relations. The two countries have named representatives to begin the resumption of normal relations, Ecuador's Foreign Minister Fander Falconi said in Quito.
The decision indicated "a climate of mutual trust," he said.
On March 1, 2008, the Colombian Air Force bombed a camp in Ecuador where Colombian left-wing rebels - the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) - were staying. The raid claimed the lives of FARC's second-in-command, Raul Reyes, and at least 20 other rebels.
Ecuador's left-wing President Rafael Correa withdrew his ambassador from Bogota and kicked out the Colombian ambassador in Quito.
Tensions rose along the border as Ecuador added troop strength. Venezuela's left-wing President Hugo Chavez also sent soldiers to the Colombian border.
