Brazil and Paraguay reiterate that the EU-Mercosur agreement can conclude this year

The foreign ministers of Brazil, Aloysio Nunes, and Paraguay, Eladio Loizaga, reiterated today their confidence that the trade agreement that Mercosur and the Union have been pursuing for almost two decades European Union (EU) will be finalized this year.

Brasilia, Nov 23 (EFE) .- The foreign ministers of Brazil, Aloysio Nunes, and Paraguay, Eladio Loizaga, reiterated today their confidence that the trade agreement they have been pursuing for almost two decades Mercosur and the European Union (EU) will be finalized this year.

"It will be fundamental for a greater insertion (of Mercosur) in the world," Nunes declared about the possibility of that agreement around which the two sides continue to work with the hope that it will be signed in December.

"We hope to be completed before year end" and includes "reciprocal commitments and benefits for citizens" European and Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay, members of Mercosur, said Loizaga in a joint statement to the journalists.

The last round of negotiations was held in Brasilia ten days ago and, according to some members of the technical teams of both parties, some of them still persisted. difficulties in the sectors of meats and biofuels.

In order to try to definitively overcome what seem to be the last obstacles, a new round of negotiations was agreed upon. which will be held in Brussels between the next November 29 and December 5.

These new discussions will be held almost against the clock, at least according to the intention manifested both by Mercosur and by the EU that the agreement be signed in Buenos Aires on December 10, as part of a ministerial meeting of the World Comercio (OMC).

In his declarations, the Paraguayan chancellor highlighted the role that Brazil has played in these negotiations during the last months, in which he has held the presidency. semiannual of Mercosur.

That rotating position will be exercised by Paraguay as of December 21, when it will receive it from Brazil in the framework of the annual Mercosur Summit, which It will be held in Brasilia and to which the Paraguayan president, Horacio Cartes, has already confirmed attendance, Loizaga said today.