Ecuadorean President Rafael Correa arrives in Brazil where he will discuss ongoing crisis with Colombia with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva

BRASILIA, BRAZIL (MARCH 05, 2008) (REUTERS) - Ecuador's leader Rafael Correa arrived in Brazil on Wednesday (March 05) amid an ongoing crisis with Colombia.

His visit came as tension continued rising between the neighbours after Colombia killed a rebel leader in Ecuadorean territory over the weekend. Since then, both Ecuador and ally Venezuela have sent troops to their respective borders with Colombia.

Correa said on Tuesday (March 04) that Ecuador would defend itself if Colombia did not apologize for an attack on rebels in its country and if the international community did not condemn it.

Correa will meet with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, where the crisis will top the agenda. Brazil is is second stop on a five-nation tour of the region.

He has said Ecuador is not looking for war and would continue to pursue diplomatic means to solve the standoff.