Today, in Madrid, Susana Malcorra participated in Foro América, a conference organized by Europa Press, where she referred to the new momentum in negotiations for a Mercosur-European Union agreement. "I don’t think one can give specific deadlines for these complex procedures. As Pro Tempore President of Mercosur, Argentina has a mandate to have closer contacts with the European Commission, and to put a more political spin on the relationship. I want to be sure that the importance of the Mercosur-EU agreement is properly understood from a political point of view," the Argentine Foreign Minister emphasized.

Malcorra added: "There is a global trend towards closing borders, and Europe is no longer a stranger to that trend. This is a concern for us. At this particular time, many eyes are looking at Latin America and Mercosur and at the opportunities this involves in the long term. If we let that ship sail, others may go aboard. I hope we can make progress soon. Now that the cards are on the table, we have to sit down and play."

The Foreign Minister confirmed that President Mauricio Macri will make a state visit to Spain. "We are adjusting the details and the exact date, but it will be in late February. Our bilateral relation with Spain is central and fundamental. We hope that Spain will redouble efforts not only at a political, government-to-government level, but also from the business sector."

 

20 December 2016
Press release No. 456/16
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