MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Lula and Duhalde committed to Mercosur

Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and his Argentine counterpart Eduardo Duhalde during their meeting held in Brasilia agreed on “several initiatives” with the purpose of strengthening Mercosur.

The presidents didn't reveal much after a short encounter with the press following the regional summit, but promised more details regarding the initiatives "in the coming days".

"What I can advance is that Brazilian and Argentine ministers will be meeting more regularly", said Mr. Lula adding that he expects to hold several Mercosur summits with his Argentine counterpart.

Mr. Lula pointed out that president Duhalde shared his opinion that Mercosur needs to be stimulated, an injection of vitality.

"Mercosur virtually has to be rebuilt, but we must design it not only thinking in trade opportunities but also thinking about our cultural heritage, social policies, like combating hunger, and closer political links", said President Lula.

President Duhalde described Mercosur as "a strategic project for the people of Argentina and Brazil", and insisted in the "need to recover lost time".

"We are committed to a greater effort so that Mercosur can recover the people's credibility, and similarly with the business community, social groupings and the political system", emphasized Mr. Duhalde.

The agenda of the meeting included bilateral trade, tariffs plus "common initiatives such as a Mercosur Parliament, and the first moves towards a common currency".