Lima, May 9, 2007. Spain’s support for the Andean Community, particularly in the deepening of its relations with the European Union, and the increase in resources for environmental matters were some of the most significant results of the first two days of CAN Secretary General Freddy Ehlers’ official visit to that European country. 

This Monday, the Secretary General of the CAN, accompanied by the Director General of that organization, Ana María de Reátegui, started his official activities in Spain with a visit to the Secretary of State for Iberoamerica, Trinidad Jiménez.

Dr. Jiménez ratified Spain’s support for the CAN and for the deepening of its relations with the EU and declared herself a steadfast supporter of integration.  She also underscored the importance of joint and coordinated behavior by the countries.   

The Secretary of State for Iberoamerica was enthusiastic in her reception of the initiatives presented by the Secretary General of the CAN regarding the implementation of certain projects included in the Andean organization’s Working Plan and agreed to support her country’s cooperation on the Andean Community’s priority lines of action. 

On another note, during a meeting with the Secretary General for Technical Matters of Spain’s Ministry of the Environment, Alicia Camacho, the latter announced that consideration is being given to increasing the resources of that country’s collaboration in the implementation of the Andean Environmental Agenda. 

Alicia Camacho expressed interest in the activities being carried out by the Andean Community in the fields of biodiversity, climate change and water and announced that Spain will collaborate not only by furnishing economic resources, but will also strongly support the programs conducted by the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation (AECI) for the CAN.   

The occasion proved favorable for a fruitful exchange of ideas about possible joint efforts between the Ministry and the General Secretariat of the CAN with regard to the Environment and Development, particularly in the context of the monthly magazine published by the Ministry and of the “Latin Climate” Forum on climate change to be held in Ecuador in October.   

During his visit to Spain, the Secretary General of the CAN also discussed different aspects of integration and possible areas for cooperation with officials and professors of the Complutense University and gave a talk on “Where is Latin American integration headed?” to a large audience, who showed special interest in Andean integration, UNASUR, relations with third countries and the Association Agreement between the CAN and the EU, as well as the social and environmental issues that complement trade and economic issues within the framework of comprehensive integration.