From EEAS European Union

EU Latin America and Caribbean Foreign Ministers meet to discuss the future of their partnership and address strengthening dialogue and deepening mutual relations, common challenges and means of implementation of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development.

Foreign Affairs ministers from the Community of Latin America and Caribbean States (CELAC) are meeting their EU counterparts today and tomorrow (25 & 26 October) in the Dominican Republic.

They will discuss the future of their partnership and will specifically address such issues as, strengthening dialogue and deepening mutual relations, common challenges and means of implementation of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development, including financing for development, climate change, the rule of law and migration. They will also make an assessment of the programmes and actions adopted by the EU-CELAC summits.

In Santo Domingo, the Foreign Ministers will also take stock on the overall progress so far. Such discussions should lead to concrete actions that have a direct and positive impact on the lives of citizens in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The EU objective for the meeting is to agree on substantial recommendations for rendering the EU-CELAC cooperation more political, operational and visible, to the benefit of citizens.
The two sides are also expected to discuss the EU and Latin America and the Caribbean Foundation (EU-LAC Foundation) and sign an agreement that establishes it as an international organisation.

The aim of the EU-LAC is to transform and adapt the strategic partnership between the European Union, Latin America and the Caribbean, adopted in 1999, into a strengthened and visible reality where the respective societies in both these regions can actively participate. Its specific mission is to connect the intergovernmental processes with businesses, academia, education, the social sector, as well as in a broader and general manner, with the civil society of both regions. The Foundation is also expected to promote the development of a joint and forward-looking global vision with shared strategies in both regions.

The EU and Latin America and the Caribbean have enjoyed privileged relations since the first bi-regional Summit, held in Brazil in 199, which established a strategic partnership. They are natural partners linked by strong historical, cultural and economic ties. They co-operate closely at international level and maintain an intensive political dialogue at all levels.

In Photo EU High Representative Federica Mogherini greets Colombia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Maria Angela Holguin.