Paraguay believes in a 'single speed' approach to negotiations for a trade agreement between Mercosur and the European Union, but discussions must be more dynamic and wide ranging, said the country's president Horacio Cartes, currently visiting Spain.
Uruguay will be hosting Paraguayan president Horacio Cartes in early June when he is expected to confirm' his country's support to Uruguay and Brazil in their renewed approach to accelerate negotiations for the signing of a full cooperation and free trade agreement with the European Union, which were started fifteen years ago.
Uruguay again complained about the current stalled situation of Mercosur and called for members to 'sincere' themselves regarding the compliance of the original 1991 founding charter, and hopefully we can at least reach the first stage of the chronogram: a free trade zone which effectively works and has not to bear the brunt of hurdles.
Fresh from an incident with Venezuela which delayed and displaced a Unasur meeting, the Uruguayan government is looking for closer relations with the conservative administration of Paraguay, putting the emphasis on regional integration but also in making Mercosur a more open and dynamic trade and cooperation block.
The European Union is tired of waiting for Mercosur to sign a free trade agreement, according to a delegation of Euro members of Parliament visiting Paraguay, a country which they consider a trusted 'ally' in trying to establish closer links with Europe.
The new national security network is aimed at detecting and neutralizing threats from domestic and international terrorist groups.
UK Minister for Latin America, Hugo Swire, spoke of the growing presence of UK in Latin America and more specifically on the expanding links with Paraguay. Minister Swire said UK was determined to deepen its commercial ties with a rising Latin America and described Paraguay as a perfect trade and investment partner for UK, particularly since British oil industry has struck oil in the Chaco region.
Argentine president Cristina Fernandez arrived Tuesday evening to Paraguay to begin early Wednesday an official visit which has been delayed several times. Besides the usual agenda discussions and accords signing with her peer Horacio Cartes, the visit will also have a strong symbolism since the Argentine president will be formally returning to Paraguay furniture and other belongings from one of the country's most revered leaders, Francisco Solano Lopez.
Paraguay sold 1bn (one billion) dollars in 30-year bonds on Monday in New York, its second international debt issue in less than two years. President Horacio Cartes said in a statement that the issue's 6.1% yield is unprecedented for the country, and that the proceeds will be used for highway, building and energy infrastructure, as well as agricultural production.
At least eleven heads of state and government have confirmed their attendance at the opening ceremony of the World Cup, next Thursday (12th), in São Paulo, and a total of 20 leaders will be watching World Cup matches.