The visit complements a negotiating round that is taking place this week in Brasilia and is part of the EU's political effort to reach an agreement on an EU-Mercosur Association Agreement by the end of the year. The programme of the visit in Buenos Aires (Argentina) includes meetings with the President of Argentina, Mr. Mauricio Macri and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Jorge Faurie, a meeting with members of the Argentinian Parliament, a working lunch with several ministers, parliamentarians and the Argentinian chief trade negotiator, as well as a dialogue with the European Chamber of Commerce (Eurocamera) and representatives of bilateral chambers.
The Vice-President and Minister Faurie will deliver speeches in the Salon Libertador of Palacio San Martin (livestreamed at 16:00 CET, on Thursday 9 November), followed by press statement. In Brasilia, Vice-President Katainen will meet with the President of Brazil, Mr. Michel Temer, and with the Minister of Industry, Foreign Trade and Services, Mr. Marcos Pereira. He will also attend a meeting with the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the four Mercosur countries, followed by a working lunch. Vice-President will also participate in a press conference at Itamaraty, Brasilia (Brazil); livestreamed at 15:30 CET on Friday 10 November.
The EU and Mercosur economies are already strongly integrated: the EU is Mercosur's biggest trading partner and biggest foreign investor; Mercosur investment in Europe is also considerable. More information aboutEU-Mercosur trade relations.
