LatinNews Daily - 13 August 2024

*Uruguay’s government led by President Luis Alberto Lacalle Pou has hosted the first meeting of the dialogue mechanism between the Southern Common Market (Mercosur) regional trade bloc and China in six years. Uruguay’s deputy foreign minister, Nicolás Albertoni, highlighted that reinstating this dialogue was a priority for Uruguay during its pro tempore presidency of Mercosur, which also comprises Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Bolivia. The meeting was co-chaired by Albertoni and China’s deputy foreign minister, Hua Chunying, with participation from foreign ministry representatives from Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. Key outcomes included China’s commitment to present a roadmap to strengthen dialogue with Mercosur, with a focus on advancing cooperation across various sectors. The dialogue, aimed at deepening economic ties, will continue in 2025. Speaking to the press following the meeting, Albertoni said it had been “productive” and that they had discussed “various matters of trade and investment”. Lacalle Pou has long supported an FTA between China and Mercosur, while Uruguay has also sought a unilateral deal with China, in violation of Mercosur rules.