International assistance as a tool of «soft power» in external Ecuador policy at the present stage

This article discusses the main aspects of international assistance in the foreign policy of Ecuador. The analysis of key areas and trends in the foreign policy of Ecuador at the present stage of development of international relations is carried out. Events in the field of international assistance are highlighted. It is shown that international assistance by Ecuador to other countries is an instrument of “soft power” in foreign policy, which Ecuador adheres to today. The main directions in the foreign policy of the country are considered, among which the protection of sovereignty and peace building are especially highlighted; protection of human rights and the environment; strengthening multilateralism; promotion of human rights; coordination of international cooperation. The role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ecuador in the dissemination of the policy of “soft power” is identified and its key tasks are identified: external relations and political integration in the framework of bilateral and multilateral relations; promoting Latin American integration through the creation of mechanisms to consolidate the economic, political and cultural blocs; conducting foreign policy activities based on self-determination of peoples; the transition to environmental sustainability of the planet. In the study, methods of historical and factual analysis, structural-functional, statistical, systemic, comparative methods were used.