Quito, September 21 (RHC)-- The Presidents of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, and Colombia, Juan Manuel Santos, met Monday in Quito, the Ecuadorian capital, to analyze the current crisis in the common border and find joint solutions.

The meeting, an initiative by the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), was also attended by the Presidents of Ecuador and Uruguay, Rafael Correa and Tabaré Vázquez, respectively.

President Maduro has repeatedly told his Colombian counterpart that to build a peaceful border, both countries should work together, adopt joint strategies and measures to crack down on paramilitary activity and the smuggling of oil and foodstuffs, which inflict serious damage on the Venezuelan economy.

Ahead of Monday's meeting, the Bolivarian leader expressed optimism and said that he wants to sign a peace agreement with Colombia.