Spain will soon make 7.5 million vaccines and several tons of medical material available to Latin American countries
MADRID, 9 May. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, Arancha González Laya, has warned of the importance of international cooperation and solidarity for universal and equitable access to vaccines against Covid-19, and has confirmed that Spain will soon implement disposal of the Latin American countries 7.5 million vaccines and several tons of medical material.
The minister has chaired this Saturday, together with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Paraguay, Euclides Acevedo, the VII Meeting of the Mechanism of Consultation and Bilateral Political Coordination Paraguay-Spain, within the framework of the official trip that the minister began this Thursday 6 May through Paraguay and Brazil.
Both ministers agreed on the importance of international cooperation and solidarity for universal and equitable access to vaccines to guarantee global immunization against Covid-19.
In this regard, the Paraguayan minister has emphasized the vulnerabilities of developing countries in this situation, valuing the commitment of the Spanish Government to provide two tons of medicines for the citizens of Paraguay. The Spanish delegation has expressed its confidence in being able to deliver this aid next week at Silvio Pettirossi International Airport.
The Spanish minister also recalled that this solidarity is also shown in the provision of 7.5 million vaccines to Latin American countries by Spain. “We are convinced that no one will be safe until we are all safe. We have to reiterate this message, helping each other today also means helping others,” Laya said.
ACCESS TO DRINKING WATER, GENDER VIOLENCE AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING
In the area of cooperation, both have highlighted, among others, the actions, plans and bilateral programs aimed at improving infrastructures for access to drinking water and sanitation, for female and maternal and child health, as well as for the eradication of violence against women in the context of the pandemic.
Likewise, a review has been made of the execution status of the projects included in the 2020-2023 Country Association Framework (MAP), a bilateral instrument on development cooperation that defines strategic priorities, with an estimated budget of up to 142 millions of euros.
The delegations have also highlighted their concern about the problem posed by human trafficking, and have expressed their willingness to strengthen the existing coordination and cooperation mechanisms, through the negotiation and subsequent signing of a specific instrument on the matter, to promote the prevention and punishment of this scourge, as well as assistance to victims.
PARTNERSHIPS TO ACHIEVE THE SDGS
Likewise, Paraguay and Spain have renewed their commitment to multilateralism, international peace and security, respect and protection of Human Rights, highlighting the commonwealth of values and historical interests between both peoples that are reflected in the different organizations and forums. international
Along these lines, the ministers agree on the importance of joining forces through international, regional and national strategic alliances that will make it possible to crystallize the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda in both countries and in the world.
In this regard, the Paraguayan delegation has announced its decision to contribute Junior Officers within the Spanish contingent of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), within the framework of United Nations Peacekeeping Operations.
RATIFICATION OF THE MERCOSUR-EU ASSOCIATION AGREEMENT
Regarding the economic sphere, the delegations point out the importance of creating conditions that favor the post-pandemic economic recovery. In this sense, they agree on the importance of promoting exchange to promote and promote investments and an increase in bilateral and bi-regional trade flows, including the ongoing negotiation of bilateral instruments.
Finally, both ministers have reaffirmed their mutual interest in reaching the signing and subsequent ratification of the Mercosur-European Union Association Agreement which, once in force, will contribute to intensifying economic relations, attracting investment and trade between both regions. .
–
