EU shows alliance with Latin America and the Caribbean, says no investment to counter China

Recently, the European Union (EU) declared that Latin American and Caribbean countries are strategic partners of this bloc at a "very important moment".

European Commission (EC) Vice President and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas (2nd from right) speaks at a conference at the European Parliament on February 17. (Source: EP)

According to the European External Action Service ( EEAS ), speaking at a conference at the European Parliament organized by the Euroamerica Foundation on February 17, Vice President of the European Commission (EC) and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas said that the EU and Latin America share a commitment to values that are “not only European but also universal: democracy, human rights , and the international order based on rules.”

“In Europe, we call it strategic autonomy. Latin America and the Caribbean call it sovereignty,” Kallas said, noting that the two sides have in common the pursuit of each other’s interests “while getting the best possible out of the partnership.”

The official said that Latin America and the Caribbean "are geopolitical and global partners that play an important role in determining the future" of a world that is facing many "ambiguities" such as war, economic fluctuations, competition as well as the growing threat of climate change...

According to the EU diplomat, Latin America and the Caribbean region plays an important role in the EU's economic security and is an "indispensable ally in today's world", as well as a key ally of the bloc in the fight against climate change.

She called on the EU and Latin America and the Caribbean to focus on strengthening their bilateral relationship based on three priorities: security and justice, democratic governance and multilateralism. This vision has driven progress on defining an ambitious free trade agreement between the EU and the Southern Common Market (Mercosur), as well as modernizing the global agreement between Europe and Mexico.

The EU is now the largest investor, third largest trading partner and main aid donor in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Ms. Kallas also noted that the investments the bloc makes in these two regions are not aimed at countering China but rather at protecting “common values and interests.”

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/eu-the-hien-tinh-dong-minh-voi-my-latinh-va-caribbean-noi-khong-dau-tu-de-chong-trung-quoc-304808.html