Declaration Sets MERCOSUR Strategic Role

Montevideo
Dec 18

Presidents of MERCOSUR member countries highlighted on Tuesday the bloc"s strategic role as a means for their better insertion in global economy and in seeking regional sustainable development.

At the end of the 34th MERCOSUR Summit, the presidents approved a joint declaration previously agreed on by committees led by their Foreign minister, in which they review MERCOSUR performance and set immediate targets.

In this context, they commissioned their ministers to complete the customs code by the first half of 2008 and boost negotiations to open markets in other countries (third markets), among other tasks.

The presidents highlighted the importance of the constitution and continuity of MERCOSUR Parliament work and welcomed the foundation of the Bank of the South in Argentina on December 9.

The declaration, approved at the end of the summit, was signed by presidents Cristina Fernandez (Argentina), Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (Brazil), Nicanor Duarte (Paraguay), Tabare Vazquez (Uruguay) and Hugo Chavez (Venezuela).