“We are strengthening this unique alliance like never before and in doing so we are sending a clear and powerful message to the world,” said Von der Leyen, adding that the agreement is not only an economic necessity but also “a political opportunity.” .”
Mercosur and the European Union concluded this Friday in Montevideo (Uruguay) the text of a free trade agreement after almost 25 years of negotiations and that will now have to go through a ratification process in both blocs.
“We are strengthening our partnership like never before,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, standing next to the heads of state of the Mercosur countries, said at a press conference. “Is a truly historic day“, he assured.
In this sense, he recalled the dialogues that the parties held thirty years ago and said that this vision has become reality this Friday in Montevideo, while also taking the opportunity to thank the negotiators who have worked tirelessly for “many years”.
‘We are strengthening this unique alliance like never before and in doing so we are sending a clear and strong message to the world,” said Von der Leyen, who added that the agreement is not only an economic necessity, but also “a political opportunity”.
On the other hand, he has pointed out that the agreement is a “clear response” to the divisions and has emphasized that both blocs have broken down barriers allowing the accession of new countries. investments in a market with more than 700 million people.
Finally, he spoke to Europe and indicated that this will be the case “a gain” for that continent, which has 60,000 companies exporting to Mercosur and will save them $4 billion.
Also speaking during the announcement was Uruguayan President Luis Lacalle Pou, who represented the entire bloc of which his country holds the pro tempore presidency until next Friday.
In his speech, he said he has children aged 18 and 20 who, when they found out the deal had taken 25 years of negotiations, “couldn’t understand it.”
Source: EITB
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
