Argentina Extols MERCOSUR Reach
Deputy Foreign Minister of Argentina Alfredo Chiaradia highlighted the importance of relations of the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR) beyond its borders, given its four members’ competitiveness in main economic sectors.

In a press conference on the eve of a MERCOSUR summit to be held next week in Cordoba, Argentina, Chiaradia said that internal difficulties for growth lead them to turn to third parties and strengthen links with neighbors.

Steps in this regard include the recent signing of the protocol of Venezuela’s admission to the bloc, as well as contacts with Bolivia, Peru and Chile in the region, and Mexico, farther to the north.

Beyond Latin American borders, he referred to the signing of an agreement with Pakistan, as well as political dialogue with Russia, to be reviewed in the Summit when Argentina presents the report of its presidential performance in the last six months.

Regarding negotiations with the European Union, Chiaradia said it is a long process that cannot be described as failed, as it is a trade agreement, and one has to ponder the give and take.