Declaration of the Andean Presidential
Council with the President of Paraguay on
CAN-Mercosur Relations
The Presidents of
Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela
and the Personal Representative of the
President of Peru, gathered at the XI Andean
Presidential Council, and the President of
the Republic of Paraguay, in representation
of the member countries of the Southern
Common Market (MERCOSUR),
CONSIDERING:
The importance that the
Andean Community and MERCOSUR attribute to
the growing relations between the two
processes, which are progressively covering
the political, economic and social spheres
and physical integration.
The shared objective of
strengthening democracy in their respective
countries, promoting and defending human
rights, reinforcing peace and security in
the region, and attaining the sustainable
development of their vast natural resources.
The need to join forces
to resolve problems that affect the
international community, such as drugs,
corruption, illegal arms trafficking and
international terrorism.
The significance to their
countries of building up the multilateralism
of international relations and, consequently,
the role of the United Nations and of the
Organization of American States in the
preservation of regional and international
peace and security, as well as in the
promotion of economic and social development.
The desirability of
contributing to the strengthening of the Rio
Group and the process of political
consultation and coordination between the
countries of Latin America and of the
Caribbean.
The potential for
cooperation and the exchange of experiences
on educational, cultural, social, scientific,
and technological matters that exists
between the two groups of countries.
The importance attributed
by the Andean Community and MERCOSUR to
regional integration as an instrument for
promoting economic and social development.
DECLARE THAT:
-
The strengthening of
relations of all kinds between the Andean
Community and MERCOSUR is a priority
political objective.
-
The authorities
responsible for trade negotiations will
make the necessary efforts to conclude the
tariff preference negotiations provided
for in the Framework Agreement signed by
the two blocs, and to start the second
stage of negotiations that should
culminate in the formation of a Free-Trade
Zone.
-
The intensification of
the dialogue and political coordination
between Andean Community and MERCOSUR
countries with regard to regional and
international issues of common interest is
an extremely important aspect of their
relations.
Cartagena de Indias, May
27, 1999
Hugo Banzer Suárez
President of the Republic of Bolivia
Andrés Pastrana Arango
President of the Republic of Colombia
Jamil Mahuad Witt
President of the Republic of Ecuador
Víctor Joy Way
Personal Representative of the President of
Peru
Hugo Chávez Frías
President of the Republic of Venezuela
Luis Gonzalez Macchi
President of the Republic of Paraguay
