COMUNICACIÓN

The regional minister for Presidency, Interior, and Social Dialogue, Abel Bautista, closed the course “European Union – Latin America and the Caribbean Relations: New Times and Renewed Commitments” this Thursday. The course was held at the Monastery of San Jerónimo de Yuste as part of Campus Yuste and was attended by over 70 students from 14 countries. Also present at the closing ceremony were the regional minister for Culture, Tourism, Youth, and Sports, Victoria Bazaga, and the director general for External Action, Pablo Hurtado. (25/07/2024).

In his closing speech, Bautista highlighted the importance of political and economic relations between the European Union, Latin America, and the Caribbean, emphasising the challenges and commitments these regions face in the current geopolitical context.

The minister emphasised the strong historical, cultural, religious, economic, and political ties that unite these regions, describing them as “natural partners”. He also underscored the need to continually work on these relationships through “symmetrical and equitable dialogue to develop shared strategies and projects”.

Bautista pointed out the “need for Europe and Latin America to have greater strategic autonomy, to foster effective cooperation between our regions, and to establish a relationship of preferred partners”. In this regard, the minister advocated for the defence of common interests and the promotion of values such as freedom, justice, democracy, and human rights.

In the economic sphere, Bautista highlighted that Extremadura achieved a global figure of 62.5 million euros in exports to Latin America in 2023, representing 4.2% of the region’s total exports. He added that, “these figures are very improvable, and there is much room for improvement to establish trade relations and continue growing together in a respectful manner”.

The regional minister thanked the European and Ibero-American Academy of Yuste Foundation for its work in creating spaces for reflection and dialogue, “for attracting talent and involving experts who address the topics from a professional perspective, with depth and rigour”.

Finally, he expressed his gratitude to the course participants, including former president of Mexico, Felipe Calderón, and Mexican deputy Margarita Zavala, for their presence and contributions.

Former president of Mexico, Felipe Calderón, acknowledged that the European Union is one of the largest trade and investment partners of Latin America and the Caribbean.

Felipe Calderón highlighted that the relations between Europe and Latin America and the Caribbean “have deep roots in history and culture”, and “now face new challenges and opportunities that require renewed commitment and innovative strategies”, he asserted.