Joint Council EU - Mexico,  Vouliagmeni 27.3.03

At the third session of the Joint Council with Mexico established by the Economic Partnership, Political Co-ordination and Co-operation Agreement, the parties proceeded to the evaluation of the results of the Agreement thirty months after its entry into force, making a positive assessment of its implementation, so far and it was discussed the short and medium term perspectives of the overall bilateral relations, especially in view of the forthcoming EU enlargement to ten new member states.

Under the item "political dialogue", the parties proceeded to an evaluation and examined the perspectives of EU-Mexico bilateral relations. They analysed the current international situation and developments, in particular Iraq. They reaffirmed their commitment -to the United Nations' System and the Rule of International Law; -to the promotion of Human Rights and the abolition of the death penalty; -to sustainable development and the protection of the environment. They emphasised the need to combat terrorism in all its forms and underlined the importance of fighting against international organised crime. They also underlined the importance of the Third EU-LAC Summit, to be held in Mexico City, the first semester of 2004.

On "trade issues", they revised the state of implementation of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA), noting that during the first two years since the Agreement came into effect bilateral trade has substantially grown (almost 30%). Despite a small setback, last year, once the global economic situation recovers and the market access possibilities offered by the FTA are fully exploited, bilateral trade should pick up its initial trend of substantial growth. Furthermore, the E.U. side informed her Mexican counterparts of the new opportunities lying ahead for bilateral commercial relations, as a result of a bigger market following the Union's enlargement, highlighting in particular the prospects and potential of these relations, as well as the prospects and potential of investments.

They also exchanged views on multilateral trade issues, specifically on the ongoing multilateral negotiations and with regard to the Fifth WTO Ministerial Meeting, in Cancun, Mexico, this coming September.

UE-MX 3853/03 (Presse 95) Joint Press Release

Ministerial Meeting EU - Andean Community, Vouliagmeni 27.3.03
 
During the working lunch with the Andean Community, the two sides exchanged views on the political and economic situation in both regions, including the issues of democratic governance, human rights, conflict prevention and drugs. Moreover, they reviewed the course and prospects of their bilateral relations.

The Ministers expressed their satisfaction that negotiations will start on a Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement; in this context, they reaffirmed their conviction that the achievement of the objectives of such an agreement, together with the strengthening of their cooperation, should establish conditions under which, building on the Doha Work Programme which they have undertaken to conclude by the end of 2004 at the latest, a feasible and mutually beneficial Association Agreement, including a Free-Trade Area, could be negotiated between the two regions.

- Joint Communique

Association Council EU - Chile, Vouliagmeni  27.3.03

The first EU - Chile Association Council set up the institutional framework of the EU - Chile Association Agreement, which is the first Agreement of its kind with any third country (fourth generation).

Under the chapter "political dialogue", the parties exchanged view on issues of common interest, namely the situation in Latin America, especially Argentina, MERCOSUR, Colombia and Venezuela, the situation on the international scene with an emphasis to the Middle East and Iraq. They convened to find the appropriate mechanisms for enhanced coordination and joint actions in international fora, particularly strengthening the EU - Chile consultation and coordination at the UN. They agreed to cooperate closely in the field of CFSP and in the fight against terrorism.

Ministers agreed to pursue their political dialogue as foreseen in the Joint Declaration on Political Dialogue between EU and Chile annexed to the  1996 Framework Co-operation Agreement.

- Joint Communique

Ministerial Meeting EU - MERCOSUR, Bolivia, Chile, Vouliagmeni, 27.3.03

During the working dinner with MERCOSUR, the two sides referred to their respective integration processes and to the need to reinforce them, they evaluated the results of the ninth round of EU - MERCOSUR negotiations for a Bi-regional Association Agreement and they stressed the need to further strengthen their political cooperation within international organisations and fora. They examined the current international situation, emphasising on today's new challenges.

Moreover, the parties expressed their concern about the current global economic situation, underlining that a steady return to economic growth is essential to reducing unemployment and promoting social justice/equity. They stressed the importance of a strong, sustainable world economic recovery and the central role of free and fair trade and effective market access to the creation of a more dynamic and competitive economic and social environment.

The two sides also recalled the Monterrey consensus (Monterrey Conference of Financing for Development) on the objective of improving market access in industrialised countries, as an essential factor for the eradication of poverty and underdevelopment and the repayment of foreign debts, especially of heavily indebted countries. Finally, the Ministers stressed the need for an increase in Official Development Assistance (ODA) and other resources in order for developing countries to achieve internationally agreed development goals and objectives (including Millennium Development Goals).

- Joint Communique

Ministerial Meeting EU - Rio Group  Vouliagmeni  28.3.03

At the ?Eth institutionalised meeting between the EU and the Rio Group, views were exchanged on the main theme of the meeting, i.e. "Social cohesion and democratic governance in a new economic environment". The general aspects and prospects of the EU - Rio Group relations were also discussed.

In their intervention, the Vice-President of the European Parliament referred to the commercial and economic aspects of the cooperation with the members of Rio Group, a PARLATINO representative stressed the need of strengthening the UN, underlining that we have to enhance the multilateral aspects of the international community, through the reform of the UN System.

Commissioner Chris Patten mentioned that the integration process in Central America has to proceed more in depth and faster. Concerning inequalities, which constitute a major problem in Latin American countries, he stressed the importance of social inclusion, adding that poverty and exclusion are the exact opposite of welfare and that a specific operational scheme is required for their eradication. FM Papandreou mentioned that social and economic cohesion is an essential part of the integration process.

Finally, the Chairman of the Rio Group FM of Peru Wagner Tizon (Peru holds the pro-tempore Presidency of the Group) referred to the challenges of globalisation, underlining that the overall assessment is not a positive one. He said that up until now, we already have one lost decade and one that is merely lost with a rapid increase in poverty - the level of poverty exceeds 40% and that of seediness exceeds 20% - and insufficient development. The problems in Latin America are incessantly increasing with social violence being the most recent one. Therefore, three are the main priorities. The fight against poverty with simultaneous strengthening of democratic governance, the fight against drug trade and international terrorism -reference was also made to the issue of Financing for Development - and the enhancement of trade and investments.

During the lunch, hosted by FM Papandreou, the discussion focused on the developments in Iraq and on the issues to be discussed the day after. The role of the UN in post-war Iraq was also emphasised, as well as the need for them to play a central role in a system of multilateral cooperation. Moreover, the reform of the United Nations and of the UN System, underlining the need to bear a realistic approach, was also discussed. It was agreed that the international community and multilateralism have now entered a new phase. Particular reference was made to the United States of America and their leading role in the present complex international environment, indicating that there are common values between the EU and the US. It was emphasised that we cannot ignore the American factor in our attempt to resolve international disputes and crisis, since such an attitude would only constitute an illusion. Besides, the US is and has always been an important and strategic ally for Europe.

With reference to the issues of democracy and democratic governance, it was stressed that these values can be imposed. The members of the international community have to be persuaded to follow the path of democracy and free governance, so that terrorism, violence and fundamentalism do not   constitute an alternative. The EU - Rio Group relations and their added value, as well as the wish for closer cooperation were also reaffirmed.

Concluding, FM Papandreou mentioned that a definite sense of optimism had emerged from the discussion, especially in the particularly difficult international situation of that time (the war on Iraq had just started).

Finally, at the margins of the EU - Rio Group meeting, a separate Declaration proposed by the Rio Group and welcoming the successful conclusion of the peace process in El Salvador was adopted.

7934/03(Presse 99) Declaration

San Jose Ministerial Meeting,  Panama City  12.5.03

At the XIX Ministerial Conference on Political Dialogue and Economic Cooperation between EU and the Member States of the Central American Integration System (SICA) the Ministers stressed the priority they give to further develop the relations between the two regions, with the aim of establishing the conditions under which a mutually beneficial Association Agreement between the two regions could be negotiated, including a free-trade area and building upon the outcome of the Doha Work Programme, which they have committed to complete by the end of 2004.   

They reaffirmed their commitment to the promotion of human rights, fundamental freedoms and cultural diversity and to cooperate in order to promote the development of a culture of peace.

9295/05(Presse134) Joint Communique

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