EU HOMs & Ambassadors from Latin America and the Caribbean met with H.Em. Cardinal Parolin
During the event organised by the EU Ambassador, together with the Ambassador of Panama, as Dean of the GRULAC Ambassadors and the Ambassador of Spain as host, H.Em Cardinal Parolin reiterated the Holy See's willingness to facilitate dialogue, promote integral human development, and support renewed political interaction at all levels between the two regions, based on common values and interests. He called for multilateral cooperation on challenges such as climate change, sustainable development, migration, drug trafficking, Agenda 2030 and the possibility of being able to support weak democracies. He recalled that protecting the environment is a priority for the Holy See, referring to the synod of the Amazonias, and that 2025 is both ten years since the release of the Laudato Sii and a Jubilee year. He underlined that education should be put at the center of efforts, also for climate change.
Ambassador Valkenburg recalled that the summit was not a one off event and a road map was agreed towards the next summit in Colombia in 2025. She underlined the strong and continued commitment of the EU to cooperation with the LAC region and pointed to the extensive Global Gateway agenda. In Council Conclusions on EU-LAC cooperation the EU stresses that by joining forces, the EU and LAC can make a meaningful difference in promoting sustainable growth, building fair and resilient societies and advancing peace and security, inclusive multilateralism and the rules-based international order.