BRASILIA, Nov. 5 (Xinhua) -- Brazil welcomed the easing of tensions and improved relations between Colombia and Ecuador, the Brazilian government said in an official statement Thursday.

    The Brazilian Ministry of External Relations expressed its satisfaction with Colombia and Ecuador's agreement that they would name respective charges d'affaires before Nov. 15, as a step toward re-establishing diplomatic ties.

    "In congratulating both governments, Brazil urges both countries to continue working towards fully resuming bilateral relations," the statement said.

    Colombia and Ecuador broke off diplomatic relations in March 2008, after the Colombian military entered Ecuadorian territory in an operation against the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).

    Diplomats from both countries met on Tuesday in a northern Ecuadorian town, and agreed to designate charges d'affaires over the next two weeks.

    The charge d'affaires heads each embassy's mission in the absence of an ambassador.