Latin America in the spotlight

Timerman meets Paraguayan Lugo over regional issues

Foreign Affairs Minister Héctor Timerman was received by Paraguayan President Fernando Lugo at his government's headquarters, after which the minister held an interview with his Paraguayan counterpart. They both agreed to meet every two months to discuss issues on their shared agenda.

The minister arrived in Asunción del Paraguay on Monday night after travelling from Montevideo, where he was in charge of formally placing the Argentine scientists that are to monitor the UPM (ex Botnia) pulp mill, located on the Uruguay River, in office.

"Timerman was received at the Palacio López, the Paraguayan government's headquarters, by President Lugo Méndez, with whom he held a very positive meeting, during which they addressed the most important issues of the ample bilateral agenda," a Foreign Affairs Ministry communiqué stated.

"I have come to say hello to President Lugo and to reaffirm the excellent relations we have with Paraguay," the minister affirmed.

According to the communiqué, "Timerman and Lugo made progress on issues of regional connectivity, and they agreed on the creation of a bilateral labour committee to improve border crossings. They both also agreed on the need to build new border bridges, they analyzed bilateral trade, and they conversed on migration issues."

The Argentine Foreign Affairs Minister later held a meeting with his Paraguayan counterpart, Héctor Lacognata, during which they decided to meet every 60 days, in order to boost the main topics of the common agenda.

The ministers established the first meeting is to be held in the city of Ituzaingó, Corrientes province, which borders with Paraguay.

Argentina and Paraguay count with six Integration Committees that meet periodically and are fundamental for identifying border demands and proposing courses of action.