The Foreign Ministers of Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay, the signatory Member States of the Asunción Treaty, met at the Palacio San Martín and reviewed the status of the regional integration process. On the two days preceding the meeting, the National Coordinators of the Common Market Group held meetings with the MERCOSUR External Relations Group.
As a result of the discussions conducted by the Foreign Ministers, they adopted decisions and gave their collaborators precise instructions on important matters pertaining to the economic-commercial and institutional agenda of MERCOSUR and to its external relations.
The Foreign Ministers analyzed and made decisions on various topics related to the regional integration process, including the priorities of Argentina’s Presidency Pro Tempore of MERCOSUR. Within this framework, they defined the next steps to be followed with a view to concluding this year agreements on investments and public procurement to be implemented in the region, as well as mechanisms to make progress in the elimination of barriers to intra-regional trade. They also analyzed alternatives to harmonize technical, sanitary and phytosanitary rules for the purpose of facilitating trade flows.
The Foreign Ministers addressed topics related to the institutional aspects of MERCOSUR, including those arising from suspension of the application of the Protocol of Accession of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
The agenda of MERCOSUR external negotiations was a significant aspect of the discussions held by the Foreign Ministers. In this regard, they agreed to exchange views in order to organize the work of the bloc in the field of external relations, including coordination. The Foreign Ministers also agreed on the next steps to be followed in relation to negotiations with the European Union and, in this respect, the need to seek the greatest possible public support in both regions for the future Association Agreement. Finally, the Foreign Ministers decided to strengthen the ongoing process of approach between MERCOSUR and the Pacific Alliance and to identify concrete areas for joint work.
Press Release No. 061/17
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