Latest news with #MERCOSUR
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Brazil's Lula calls on France to ratify MERCOSUR trade deal with EU
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has urged France to stop blocking the implementation of the free trade agreement between the European Union and South American states which make up the MERCOSUR group. During a visit to Paris, Lula called on President Emmanuel Macron to approve the agreement without further delay. "I will assume the presidency of MERCOSUR on June 6. I want to tell you that I will not leave the MERCOSUR presidency without concluding the agreement with the European Union," Lula told Macron during a news conference on Thursday. "So, my dear friend, open your heart to the possibility of finalizing this agreement with our beloved MERCOSUR." With a nod to US President Donald Trump's tariffs, Lula further added that the deal "is the best response our regions can give" to global trade uncertainties. The European Commission and the South American MERCOSUR states – Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay – concluded negotiations on a vast free trade zone in December after more than 20 years of talks. However, resistance remains on the European side, particularly in countries like France, Italy and Poland. German farmers have also expressed concerns about competition from producers who can operate at significantly lower costs. National governments have to ratify the deal before it can come into force. Macron responded to Lula by stating that the MERCOSUR agreement must be improved to protect French farmers from competitors who adhere to far fewer rules and standards, particularly regarding environmental protection. He said that appropriate safeguard clauses and an additional protocol must be developed within the next six months.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Paraguay President joins PM Modi in condemning Pahalgam attack
NEW DELHI: PM Modi held talks with the visiting Paraguay President, Santiago Pena, underlining new opportunities for bilateral cooperation in areas including digital technology, critical minerals, energy, agriculture, healthcare, and defence. Modi also expressed deep appreciation for the South American country's strong condemnation of Pahalgam terror attack, saying the two countries stood united in the fight against terrorism. The PM said there's immense possibility of cooperation to fight against shared challenges such as cybercrime, organised crime, and drug trafficking. "Both leaders unequivocally condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all forms and manifestations. On behalf of all Paraguayans, Pena expressed his deep solidarity with victims and families of the terror attack," said MEA secretary (east) P Kumaran. On trade and economic ties, Modi said India has a preferential trade agreement with MERCOSUR and the two sides can work together to expand it. MERCOSUR is a South American trading bloc originally comprising Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay as member states. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Brain tumor has left my son feeling miserable; please help! Donate For Health Donate Now Undo "India and Paraguay are integral parts of the Global South. Our hopes, aspirations and challenges are similar. And this is why we can learn from each other's experiences to deal with challenges effectively," said Modi, adding, "We are pleased that India could extend support to Paraguay by sharing its vaccines during Covid. We look forward to continuing this spirit of cooperation by sharing more of our capabilities. " The two sides also welcomed establishment of a joint commission mechanism at the secretary level.
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
India, Paraguay can expand trade with MERCOSUR, says PM Modi
India and Paraguay can partner in expanding regional commerce in Latin America, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (June 2, 2025). Mr. Modi welcomed Paraguay's President Santiago Pena Palacios and presented the MERCOSUR trade bloc in Latin America as an arena where India and Paraguay can work together closely. Mr. Pena who is on his first visit to India described India as a 'key strategic partner' of his country. 'We see new opportunities for cooperation in areas such as digital technology, critical minerals, energy, agriculture, healthcare, defence, railways, space, and overall economic partnership. We have a Preferential Trade Agreement with MERCOSUR. We can work together to further expand it,' said Mr. Modi in his remarks at the bilateral meeting between the two delegations. The visit by Paraguay's President has come in the backdrop of a churn in global commerce after Donald Trump became the U.S. President. India's relations with Paraguay dates back to 1961 when bilateral diplomatic ties were established. India opened its embassy in Paraguay's capital Asuncion in August 2022. MERCOSUR, a trade bloc including Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay was formed in 1991 and a framework agreement was signed between India and MERCOSUR on June 17, 2003. This agreement was followed by the MERCOSUR-India Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) signed in New Delhi in 2004. 'India with its vast population and global leadership in technology and innovation, represents a key strategic partner for Paraguay. During my official visit, I had a productive meeting with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with whom we agreed on the importance of strengthening our bilateral relationship,' said Mr. Pena. An official, speaking off the record, said Paraguay has the potential to be a reliable regional partner to India as it follows a cautious foreign policy without antagonising any of the major regional and global stakeholders. For India, a special attraction is the natural resources and minerals of Paraguay. Officials said Paraguay has always been cautious about its foreign policy in a region dominated by Argentina and Brazil. Brazil, under left-leaning President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Argentina's right-leaning President Javier Milei have been holding pole positions in Latin America and MERCOSUR.
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First Post
4 days ago
- Business
- First Post
India, Paraguay ‘stand united' against terrorism: PM Modi after meeting visiting President Pena
India and Paraguay share common views on various international issues, including UN reforms, climate change, renewable energy and combating terrorism, according to the Ministry of External Affairs read more Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President of Paraguay Santiago Pena Palacios during a meeting at the Hyderabad House, in New Delhi. PTI Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on Monday that India and Paraguay are united in their fight against terrorism and that there is a great deal of possibility for cooperation in tackling common challenges like drug trafficking and cybercrime. The comments were made by Modi during delegation-level discussions with Santiago Pena Palacios, the president of Paraguay. Pena, who is visiting India for three days to look into ways to increase general cooperation, landed in Delhi this morning. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It is just the second time a South American president has travelled to India, and it is his first visit. Paraguay is one of India's most significant commercial partners in Latin America. There are several Indian businesses operating in Paraguay in the automotive and medicinal industries. 'We see new opportunities for cooperation in areas such as digital technology, critical minerals, energy, agriculture, healthcare, defence, railways, space and overall economic partnership,' Modi said. The prime minister also referred to New Delhi's preferential trade arrangement with South American trading bloc MERCOSUR. 'We can work together to further expand it,' he said. MERCOSUR or Common Market of the South is a trading bloc comprising Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. The two leaders also deliberated on ways to combat terrorism against the backdrop of the Pahalgam terror attack. 'India and Paraguay stand united in the fight against terrorism. There is immense possibility of cooperation to fight against shared challenges such as cybercrime, organised crime, and drug trafficking,' Modi said. The prime minister described Paraguay as an integral part of the Global South. 'India and Paraguay are integral parts of the Global South. Our hopes, aspirations and challenges are similar. And this is why we can learn from each other's experiences to deal with these challenges effectively,' he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'We are pleased that India could extend support to Paraguay by sharing its vaccines during the Covid pandemic. We look forward to continuing this spirit of cooperation by sharing more of our capabilities,' he added. India and Paraguay established diplomatic relations on 13 September 1961, cultivating warm and friendly ties between the two nations. Both countries have since developed cooperation in various sectors, including trade, agriculture, health, pharmaceuticals and information technology. The two countries share common views on various international issues, including UN reforms, climate change, renewable energy and combating terrorism, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.
Yahoo
01-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Centre-left's Yamandu Orsi sworn in as president of Uruguay
Centre-left politician Yamandu Orsi was sworn in as president of Uruguay on Saturday for a five-year term. Orsi took the oath of office in parliament a little more than three months after he defeated his centre-right rival Álvaro Delgado in a tightly contested election. Several foreign leaders were present at the ceremony, including Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Colombian President Gustavo Petro, Chilean President Gabriel Boric, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Spanish King Felipe VI Uruguay, with its population of just under 3.5 million, is considered a model democracy in Latin America. Since the return to democracy 40 years ago, centre-right and centre-left governments have alternated turns in power. The economy is doing well, with low unemployment and inflation. Orsi, a former teacher, promised to fight poverty during his term in office. Together with Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay, Uruguay forms the South American economic alliance MERCOSUR, which recently negotiated a free trade agreement with the European Union.
