(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) The second summit between the EU and the community of Latin America and Caribbean countries (CELAC) began here Wednesday with the focus on boosting relations between the two regional blocs and global issues such as security, developments and climate change.
"Our challenge now is to become a partnership for the next generation. A partnership that is symmetrical, balanced and equitable. This should be our ambition for the summit and our future work," said Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, in his opening remarks.
He noted that 16 years ago, all 33 Latin American and Caribbean countries and a European Union of fifteen Member States, met in Rio de Janeiro for the first time, launching what has become a truly strategic partnership.
"The European Union is the main cooperator, largest direct investor and second trade partner of Latin America and the Caribbean. We have an all-weather partnership, not just when things are going well, but also when there are clouds," said Tusk.
"Our regions have a lot to gain from working closely together - and much to lose if we do not. Together the European Union and Latin America and the Caribbean account for more than 1 billion people; form one third of the UN's membership, and generate almost one third of the world's GDP." he said.
Tusk said the EU will stand by the efforts of President Juan Manuel Santos to achieve a lasting peace in Colombia and announced that the EU will set up a Trust Fund to support post-conflict actions in the country.
On Cuba, he said the EU supports the process of modernisation and is committed to conclude negotiations of a Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement.
"We welcome the full normalisation of Cuba's relations with the United States and the end of the embargo," he added.
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