The High Representative and Vice President Federica Mogherini met today with the Foreign Minister of Paraguay H.E. Mr Eladio Ramón Loizaga Lezcano.

During their bilateral meeting, the High Representative Mogherini and the Foreign Minister Eladio Ramón Loizaga Lezcano discussed the negotiations for a comprehensive and balanced Association Agreement between the EU and Mercosur, whose pro-tempore presidency is held by Paraguay since the end of last year. The HR/VP reiterated the EU’s political commitment to a rapid conclusion of the negotiations.

The HRVP welcomed the invitation received from the Paraguayan authorities to observe the upcoming general elections on 22 April, and confirmed that the EU will be deploying an Election Observation Mission. Reflecting the European Union’s long-term commitment to supporting democratic processes in the country, the EU had already deployed an Election Observation Mission to Paraguay in 2013 and will work with the Paraguayan authorities on the implementation of the recommendations of this year’s mission.

Other issues discussed included a possible EU – CELAC Ministerial meeting, as the EU remains convinced that communication, whatever the forum, is the way forward, as well as the current developments in the region, in particular in Venezuela.

Henry Borzi