(Adnkronos) – The likely ratification of a European Union trade deal with the Mercosur bloc and the need to diversify markets and bolster cooperation “in uncertain times” create the conditions for stronger economic ties with Latin America, according to Italy.
“Recent progress in an EU accord with Latin American partners confirms the potential for a stronger economic bond,” foreign undersecretary Maria Tripodi told the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC)-EU summit in Santa Marta, Colombia, on Sunday.
Tripodi referred to the probability that in coming weeks, the European Council – the EU’s decision-making body – and the European Parliament will ratify a deal with the Mercosur free trade bloc, whose key members are Argentina and Brazil.
“In times of uncertainty, we must strengthen our interconnections, diversify markets and cooperate with even greater determination to respond to common challenges,” Tripodi went on, cited by a foreign ministry statement.
“Our clear goal is to build together a partnership based on trust, reciprocity and shared prosperity,” the statement quoted Tripodi as saying.
The 33-nation Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC)-EU summit took place in Santa Marta, Colombia on Saturday and Sunday.
The summit agenda focussed on “reinforcing the rules-based international order, climate, energy and environmental transition, promoting trade and investment, and combating organised crime,” the statement said.
Only 12 out of 60 leaders attended the summit, with absentees including Italy’s premier Giorgia Meloni, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French president Emmanuel Macron and Argentina’s president Javier Milei amid new US pressure on Latin America.
