Buenos Aires, 25 October The European Union (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, opted Tuesday for closer trade ties with Latin America to address the “shockwaves “that the Russian invasion of Ukraine launched into the world, in terms of energy and food prices.
“The war in Ukraine has caused shockwaves around the world, in terms of energy and food prices. Latin America can feed more people, it can continue to produce more, more food and even energy. And we can provide it with technology. and capitals “. Borrell told reporters after meeting in Buenos Aires with Argentine Foreign Minister Santiago Cafiero.
The Spanish politician reiterated his hope that the Association Agreement between the European Union (EU) and the Southern Common Market (Mercosur) – made up of Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay – could finally enter into force and that problems that this The negotiation drags on in view of the Spanish presidency of the European bloc, in the second half of 2023.
Borrell also expressed confidence in the meeting that will take place this Thursday in Buenos Aires between the foreign ministers of the Community of States of Latin America and the Caribbean (CELAC) and the EU.
“This meeting had not taken place for 5 years. This means that Latin America is not sufficiently present in the political agenda of Europe”, he lamented, adding that it is necessary to continue explaining what is happening in Ukraine, which “aggression” of Russia, its causes and consequences.
The high representative of the EU underlined the “majority” support of Latin American countries, including Argentina, “which with very few exceptions have condemned this aggression and the violation of human rights it represents”.
The EU, he continued, supports “all attempts to reach a ceasefire and peace negotiations”, although he stressed that this depends on who started the war, alluding to Russia, being willing to end it: “And so far all the answers have been negative.
Borrell stressed that while there is no ceasefire or peace negotiation, Ukraine must continue to be helped to defend itself from the aggression it is facing.
THE AGENDA
Sources from the Argentine government, which holds the annual presidency of CELAC, stressed that the thematic agenda for Thursday’s meeting was negotiated in several rounds in Buenos Aires and Brussels.
This represents “common priorities” such as “inclusive, equitable and sustainable” post-pandemic economic recovery; the climate emergency, multilateralism, the promotion of human rights, food security and energy cooperation.
Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua are part of the CELAC, reported by the international community for alleged violations of human rights.
Borrell said that human rights will also be discussed during the meeting: “We are not only concerned about human rights, but also many countries in Latin America, we must also meet on this”.
