Foreign Affairs Minister participates in the LXIII Summit of Mercosur Heads of State and reaffirms that regional integration is a priority for Chile

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alberto van Klaveren, led the Chilean delegation to the LXIII Summit of Heads of State of Mercosur and Associated States, held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

On the occasion, the participating countries reiterated their commitment to the defense and strengthening of democratic institutions and the full validity of the Rule of Law, multilateralism, the principles of international law, the protection and unrestricted promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms as essential conditions for the consolidation and deepening of the regional integration process.

During his intervention in the plenary session, the Minister emphasized that, for Chile, the participation in Mercosur as an Associated State is very relevant "not only because of the importance that Chile assigns to regional integration in its foreign policy, but also because of the intense links that unite us with each of the countries of the block".

In this regard, he assured that it is of interest to continue deepening bilateral and intra-regional trade with the block, while promoting work on key issues, such as bioceanic corridors, migration issues, gender issues and environmental sustainability, among others.

He also noted the impetus given by Brazil to regional integration through the Brasilia Consensus, a new mechanism for South American dialogue of which Chile will assume the Pro Tempore Presidency.

"Chile will do everything in its power to ensure that the Brasilia Consensus does not lose the momentum and dynamism achieved in recent months, and continues to consolidate a positive and constructive agenda in order to have an agile space for consultation and regional dialogue, inclusive and focused on addressing the pressing needs of our peoples," he added.

Finally, the Minister congratulated Brazil on its successful Pro Tempore Presidency of Mercosur, and wished Paraguay the best of success as it takes on this challenge.