Treaty of Navigation of 1967 Bilateral agenda on waterway matters. Establishment of the Joint Committee
In furtherance of the mandate arising out of the Foreign Ministers' Meeting on 12 November, a meeting for the establishment of a Joint Committee was held in Buenos Aires on 13-14 December 2018, with a view to addressing issues related to the implementation of the Treaty of Navigation of 1967 between the Argentine Republic and the Republic of Paraguay and other waterway issues on the bilateral agenda.
Delegations were headed by the Deputy Foreign Ministers of both countries, Daniel Raimondi and Hugo Saguier Caballero, who underscored the constructive dialogue held between both countries,in order to achieve positive results that benefit both countries and strengthen regional development.
Both Deputy Foreign Ministers expressed their satisfaction with Argentina's adoption of measures to favour free navigation, including a two-year renewal of the height requirements for double bottom hulls of vegetable oil tankers and the flexibilization of requirements for convoys to cross the General Belgrano Bridge.
The Argentine delegation also announced the forthcoming enactment of legislation to exempt self-propelled vessels under 135 meters of length overall from compulsory pilotage. By doing this, Argentina will properly address Paraguay's claim on the issue.
The Paraguayan delegation informed its decision on the return of the current location of the free zone in the Port of Rosario and its relocation in an area which allows its optimal operation and use based on the alternatives offered by the province of Santa Fe. To this end, both Delegations agreed to hold a Joint Committee Meeting under the 1979 Agreement within the next 30 days, on which occasion they will sign instruments to effectively return the current free zone establishment and relocate it.
Both Heads of Delegation stated that, on 18 December during the Summit of Mercosur, both Presidents plan to announce their decision on the authorization of international road traffic across the top of Yacyretá dam, after considering technical and safety reports. In this regard, diplomatic notes will be exchanged in order to implement the agreement reached between them.
Both Delegations underscored the importance of discussing Waterway Public Security, expanding the scope of ISPS Code, fighting against drug trafficking and other risk factors, while ensuring free transit without delays and promoting trade flows.
Both Deputy Foreign Ministers welcomed the announcement of a 50% decrease in Customs duties as from the first half of January 2019, and a subsequent progressive decrease in all Argentine ports. Furthermore, they highlighted the works made to build a preferential dock for Paraguayan cargo transfer operations in the Port of Buenos Aires.
Both Delegations also agreed on the importance of agreeing on a uniform system for the recognition of pilotage diplomas and licences, and entrusted this task to a group of experts. They expressed their willingness to jointly work on the training of marine navigation professionals and the Argentine delegation accepted Paraguay's invitation to visit the Naval Education Institutes Command (CINAE).
Finally, they agreed on the importance of holding regular Joint Committee Meetings to follow up on all issues. In this regard, they agreed to hold the next meeting during the first quarter of 2019.
Press release No. 501/18
