Foreign Minister Diana Mondino met with the European Parliament's Delegation for relations with Mercosur (DMER), within the framework of their visit to our country.
The delegation was made up of nine MEPs and advisors of different nationalities and political parties, interested in the progress of integration between the two blocs.
Minister Mondino described the foreign policy guidelines of the Argentine Government and highlighted the country's willingness to move towards the conclusion of negotiations for the MERCOSUR-EU Strategic Association Agreement, adding that entering into this type of agreement contributes to the consolidation of MERCOSUR as a bloc.
Likewise, the head of the visiting delegation, MEP Jordi Cañas, stated that the purpose of the visit was to send a message of support to the new Argentine Government on behalf of the European Union. Mr. Cañas highlighted the institutional strength of Argentina's democracy and praised the political alternation in the country.
Cañas explained that the MERCOSUR-EU Strategic Association Agreement aims to guide and align the relationship between the two blocs in the coming decades. In this regard, he stressed the need for the EU to have an agreement with such an important part of the American continent as MERCOSUR: "It is time to create a framework that will allow us to move forward with common objectives," he said.
The European Union is a trade partner of major importance. It is the second largest destination for Argentine exports and the third largest source of Argentine imports. As a bloc, it is the main direct foreign investor in Argentina.
During the rest of the week, the delegation would go on to visit authorities of the Legislative Branch, the Ministry of Economy, provincial authorities and representatives of the Argentine productive sector.
