EU-CELAC Summit Strengthens Ties Between the 2 Regions

The just concluded 2nd EU-CELAC summit strengthened relations between Europe and Latin America. Representatives of the 61 countries present signed a final declaration expressed solidarity with Venezuela and Cuba. While not able to compete with China's intention to commit US$250 billion in investment in the next 10 years, Europe offered Latin America trade deals, stronger ties, and in some cases visa-free entry for their citizens. The pro tempore head of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States and president of Ecuador Rafael Correa warned against free markets and open borders without controls and stressed that for trade to be beneficial it had to stimulate social development. teleSUR