QUITO, June 20 (Xinhuanet) -- General Bantz Craddock, commander of the US Southern Command, said here Monday that the United States will strengthen its "long and fruitful" bilateral military relationship with Ecuador.

    Craddock, who was on a visit to the Latin American country, praised the joint operations against drug trafficking.

    Military cooperation between the United States and Ecuador is "extensive," covering joint military drills and security issues, said Craddock after meeting with Ecuadorian Defense Minister Solon Espinosa and Ecuador's Joint Chief of Staff vice-admiral Manuel Zapater.

    Craddock will also meet with Ecuadorian National Police Commander Jose Vinuenza to discuss US aid for anti-narcotics activities of Ecuador's security forces. Enditem