
Maldives ministry of foreign affairs announced on Friday its decision to quit the Commonwealth of Nations after the organization issued a warning to the country that it could be suspended because of its failure to promote the rule of the law and democracy.

The European Union and Mercosur could strike a free trade deal within two years, according to Argentina’s Commerce Secretary Miguel Braun. After Brexit, Mercosur would be open to a separate trade deal with the UK. Trade negotiations between the EU and Mercosur nations are still on track, despite the UK’s decision to leave the bloc and uncertainty over the future of the EU’s other major trade agreements – TTIP and CETA.

Gibraltar was touched on fleetingly during the meeting between Prime Minister Theresa May and her caretaker Spanish counterpart, Mariano Rajoy, in Madrid. A Spanish wire report quoted anonymous sources in the Spanish Government saying that Rajoy had set out the Spanish position during a wider discussion on Brexit.

Many travelers buying foreign currency at the UK's airports are now receiving less than one Euro to the pound, reports the BBC. The continued fall in sterling's value means that the average rate available at 17 airport bureaux de change is now just 99 euro cents to the pound. The worst rate is currently 88 Euro cents at Moneycorp at Southampton airport and the best is €1.06 from the Change Group at Glasgow Prestwick.

Prime Minister Theresa May will meet Spain’s caretaker Prime Minister, Mariano Rajoy, in Madrid on Thursday for talks on a range of issues including Brexit. The visit to Spain is part of a string of meetings in European capitals as Mrs May appeals for a fair “divorce deal” from Brussels for the UK.

The Irish government said on Tuesday it has introduced a number of specific measures to help firms that might be affected by the uncertainty caused by Britain's vote to leave the European Union (EU). The measures include an extension of the Special Assignee Relief Program, which gives designated individuals income tax relief for work done in the country until the end of 2020.

Princess Kate performed her first solo foreign engagement on Tuesday, meeting with King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands at his Villa Eikenhorst residence. The king is married to Queen Maxima, born in Argentina and currently in a visit to her country of birth.

Mercosur has “lost focus” because of years of political and ideological discussions instead of concentrating in trade integration, commented Nigel Baker, deputy head of the Foreign Office South America's department during a two day visit to Paraguay. The ex ambassador in the Vatican also anticipated that Brexit, UK leaving the European Union will help strengthen overall relations with Paraguay, one of Mercosur four founding members.

A group of major business lobby groups has written an open letter urging the United Kingdom government to preserve barrier free trade with Europe. The letter is signed by leaders of the Confederation of British Industry, CBI, and manufacturers' body the EEF.

Tierra del Fuego province will be taken into account in all issues referred to the Malvinas Islands, South Atlantic and Antarctica, the provincial deputy governor Juan Carlos Arcando said in Ushuaia following his attendance to Argentine foreign minister Susana Malcorra's Senate hearing in Buenos Aires on Wednesday morning.