La Paz, October 13 (RHC-Xinhua) -- Bolivia will resume full diplomatic relations with the United States when there is certainty of non-interference in the country's internal matters, Bolivian Vice President Alvaro Garcia Linera said on Sunday.

"When we have certainty of the U.S.' non-interference in our internal matters, our hand will be extended with respect but always strong to defend our sovereignty," said Garcia Linera at a press conference held in La Paz.

Garcia Linera said since President Evo Morales took office in 2006, his government has always sought good relations with the U.S. due to respect for the U.S. people.

"Our people and our government are very respectful of the U.S. people. We admire their scientific and technological progress, we are impressed by their great achievements, but we have always asked for their governments for relations that respect our sovereignty," said Garcia Linera.

Meanwhile, Peter Brenhan, the Charge d'Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in La Paz, said the U.S. government paid "particular attention" to Bolivia's elections on Sunday.

Bolivia is having a difficult diplomatic relation with Washington. Since October 2008, the two sides have not had ambassadors, when President Morales expelled the U.S. ambassador accusing him of supporting a right-wing conspiracy against his government.

Also, in November 2008, Bolivia expelled the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency from the country. On November 7, 2011, La Paz and Washington signed a Framework Agreement aiming to fully restore bilateral relations.