Ecuadorean officials have expressed interest in hosting a U.S. military base and inking a free trade deal with the United States, according to sources. The proposals were delivered to Republican lobbyists in Washington close to the Trump administration. Ecuador's incumbent president, Daniel Noboa, has been pushing for foreign military bases in the country and recently announced a 'strategic alliance' with Erik Prince, founder of private military firm Blackwater. The Ecuadorean legislature is considering eliminating a constitutional ban on foreign military bases. Several small and medium-sized nations have been exploring unconventional ways to build ties with the U.S.