The Argentine Foreign Minister, Diana Mondinoassured that for the government of Javier Milei It is “of vital importance” to seal the agreement between the Mercosur and the European Union (EU), which has been coming and going for more than 25 years.
“It is one of our priorities because it not only represents a historic opportunity for the nations of both blocks, but also marks a milestone in global collaboration and the construction of solid relationships based on mutual respect and cooperation,” the economist told ambassadors of European countries in Argentina during a meeting on Thursday.
In tune with the discomfort generated in the Uruguayan Executive by the new postponement of the final signing of the trade pact, Mondino pointed out that “the negotiation has already consumed more than twenty years.” “Twenty years wasting opportunities for productive, commercial and human integration, and diverting material and human resources in back-and-forths over technicalities. This has to end,” he stressed.
In July, during the summit of the Mercosur in IguazuPresident Luis Lacalle Pou considered that it is illogical to have been negotiating for so many years. “Enough words,” he then urged.
The government of Javier Milei was interested in overcoming the pending challenges and closing the agreement between the Mercosur and the EU “in a manner that is equitable and beneficial to all parties.” To this end, the chancellor instructed the negotiators to take “a proactive attitude.”
“I want to ask you to convey to your capitals the will of this new administration to open the Argentina to the world, enhance its export capacity and, through trade, bet on sustainable and lasting development,” said Mondino.
He Mercosur issued a statement, following last week’s summit in Rio de Janeirosigned by all the presidents of the bloc – at that time Alberto Fernandez was still the Argentine president – in which they recognized “considerable progress” with the European Union in relation to the free trade agreement.
“The negotiations continue with the ambition to conclude the process and reach an agreement that is mutually beneficial for both regions and that responds to the demands and aspirations of their respective societies,” the text indicated.
Source: Ambito
