MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Ambassador Hughes confirms EU-Mercosur trade talks

British Ambassador in Argentina John Hughes confirmed the resumption of bilateral talks next September between Mercosur and the European Union with the purpose of reaching a free trade agreement.

Negotiations have been stalled since the second half of 2004 mainly over agriculture, services and investment proposals.

The announcement was done last Tuesday during a lunch meeting of the Argentine-British Chamber of Commerce in downtown Buenos Aires where Ambassador Hughes talked about UK priorities during this half year when it will be holding the European Union presidency.

Ambassador Hughes emphasized UK's commitment to combating global hunger and more specifically in Africa, as well as greater investment in education and research.

He also thanked Chamber members, friends, the Anglo-Argentine community and Argentines in general for their support following the terrorist attacks on the London transport system.