THE 38TH MEETING OF THE LATIN AMERICAN COUNCIL OF THE LATIN AMERICAN AND CARIBBEAN SYSTEM

The 38th meeting of the Latin American Council of the Latin American and Caribbean Economic System (SELA) was held in Caracas, Venezuela from October 17-19. Undersecretary for Latin America and the Caribbean, Ambassador Norma Pensado Moreno, led the Mexican delegation that attended the meeting.

The Latin American Council discussed the document "The Eurozone Crisis and its Impact on the Process of European Integration and the Latin American and the Caribbean-European Union Bi-regional Relationship." The importance of promoting the bi-regional dialogue, with emphasis on scientific and technical investment and cooperation, was discussed. In addition, the Member States approved the 2013 work program of the Permanent Secretariat and its budget.

A forum on "The Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC): Its Path Forward and its Prospects" was held during the meeting to discuss the group’s progress and the challenges it faces in meeting its goals. Speaking at the forum, Undersecretary Norma Pensado reiterated that CELAC is a high priority for Mexico, which commits to remain actively involved in its consolidation.

The Latin American Council praised the excellent work of Jorge Rivera Banuet, a Mexican citizen, at the head of the Secretariat, and elected Roberto Guarnieri as the new Permanent Secretary for the 2013-2017 period.

SELA is made up of 28 Latin American and Caribbean countries and is one of the main regional forums for economic cooperation. Mexico participates in SELA out of the belief that it is an important forum for  identifying and promoting the region’s economic and social development.