The U.S.-based Carter Center says Colombia and Ecuador have agreed to restore some diplomatic ties following mediation efforts by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter.

In a statement released Friday, the center said the two countries agreed to immediately restore relations, without preconditions, at the lower diplomatic level of "charge d'affaires".

The statement says both President Alvaro Uribe of Colombia and President Rafael Correa of Ecuador Friday "confirmed their willingness" to resume ties through their foreign ministries.

The two countries severed contacts in March after Colombia launched an attack against a rebel camp just across its border with Ecuador. A rebel commander and 24 other people were killed. The incident brought Ecuador and Venezuela to the brink of military clashes with neighboring Colombia.

The Carter Center, founded by President Carter, says it is dedicated to promoting human rights and democracy and preventing and resolving conflicts around the world.