Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad attends an official welcoming ceremony with his Ecuadorian counterpart, Rafael Correa, in Tehran on December 6, 2008.

Iran's vice president for science, research and technology announced Saturday that Tehran is prepared to put its scientific and technological achievements at Ecuador's disposal.

Sadegh Vaez-Zadeh explained in a meeting with Ecuadorian National Secretary of Planning & Development Fander Falconi Benitez, that Iran can help reform Quito's scientific and technical foundation.

Iran was, in turn, urged to assist Ecuador in the fields of space science and satellite technology.

Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa, heading a high-ranking delegation, arrived in Tehran late Friday after receiving an invitation by his Iranian counterpart, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Ecuadorian officials also took part in a Saturday exhibition organized by the Iranian Defense Ministry and were familiarized with the country's defense equipment.

"We are prepared to impart our knowledge in the various areas of defense to the brotherly nation of Ecuador," Iranian Defense Minister Mostafa Mohammad-Najjar told an official from Ecuador.

Press TV has been notified that constructive talks on increasing defense cooperation between the two countries have also been held.

According to the Iranian defense minister, the presence of the Ecuadorian delegation at the exhibition is an important milestone in Tehran-Quito relations.

The official visit comes at a time that the two countries are planning to build a refinery and a petrochemical unit in Ecuador as a result of a major energy deal signed in September.

Officials in Washington believe the increase in relations between Iran and South American countries are sabotaging US efforts to isolate Tehran in the international community.