Embassy of Uruguay in Belgium

First, he held a bilateral meeting with Maroš Šefčovič, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Interinstitutional Relations, and Transparency, to follow up on the progress made since the provisional interim agreement between Mercosur and the European Union (iTA) entered into force and to focus on its implementation. 

Next, together with Maroš Šefčovič, the two leaders co-chaired a Business Roundtable to exchange views with representatives of the European private sector who have a presence and interests in both regions. They were also invited to participate in the Mercosur-European Union Business Forum scheduled for December 2 of this year, within the framework of Uruguay’s Pro Tempore Presidency.

In their remarks, representatives of the private sector acknowledged the benefits of the agreement and welcomed the European Commission’s decision to move forward with its provisional implementation. They also welcomed the invitation to participate in the Business Forum scheduled for December in Uruguay.

He also met with his European Union counterpart, Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, with whom he discussed the CELAC-European Union roadmap adopted during the negotiations held in Montevideo last June, the political situation in Latin America, and the fight against drug trafficking and organized crime.

In this regard, the participants reviewed the pending items on the agenda in preparation for the European Union–CELAC ministerial-level meeting scheduled to take place during the ordinary session of the United Nations General Assembly and the upcoming European Union–CELAC summit to be held in Brussels in 2027.

Finally, Minister Lubetkin was interviewed by Euronews as part of its program 12 Minutes With - The Europe Interview.

Photos: European Commission and European External Action Service.