THE ANDEAN COUNCIL OF MINISTERS OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

As specified in Article 17, Agreement 28, Decision 407; and ,

Bearing in mind that there are ongoing negotiations between the Andean Community and MERCOSUR to establish a Free Trade Zone;

Since said negotiations are now well advanced and will finally enable the de-regulation of their tariffs;

In view of the fact that these negotiations are well founded upon a political will made manifest by both parties, it therefore is advisable to issue a political declaration that will encourage and foster their conclusion;

Hereby agree to the following:

DECLARATION:

1. That an across the board consolidation of the ongoing relationships between the ANDEAN COMMUNITY and MERCOSUR, is a political prioritary, both parties must therefore carry out out balanced efforts to ensure the success of the ongoing negotiations.

2. Declare its willingness to establish mechanisms for joint political decision making on a more permanent basis between both aforementioned parties, in order to strengthen their links.

3. The General Secretary shall communicate this Declaration to the Commission of the ANDEAN COMMUNITY and to the President of the MERCOSUR Common Market Group.

Issued at Santa Fe de Bogota, Colombia on February 26, 1999.