Bolsonaro argues for streamlined, relevant Mercosur

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro argued that Mercosur—the bloc comprising Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, with Venezuela suspended—should be streamlined in order to gain relevance. Bolsonaro and Argentine President Mauricio Macri met in Brasília this morning (Jan. 16) to talk about ways to improve the group.

“We agree on the importance of enhancing the bloc along with the other partners—Paraguay and Uruguay—and proposing a new work agenda, always on an urgent basis,” Bolsonaro said after the meeting.

In his view, Mercosur must value its original tradition of commercial opening, and the reduction of barriers and red tape internally. “The goal is to build a streamlined Mercosur, which continues to make sense and be relevant,” he said.

In the external sphere, the two leaders agreed it is necessary to “quickly conclude the more promising negotiations” underway and start new talks “with creativity and flexibility in order to make up for the lost time.” “We have to create new trade and investment opportunities,” the Brazilian president declared. Among the partnerships being discussed is the deal between Mercosur and the European Union.

To Macri’s judgment, strides must be made towards an integration “adapted to the challenges of the 21st century, seizing the opportunities provided by the world. This is why it is key to conclude negotiations in progress, like those with the European Union, which required a lot of effort and advanced like never before,” he said.

Energy, defense, and trade

In addition to Mercosur, the delegations debated such topics of relevance to both countries like efforts to fight organized crime and corruption, renewable and nonrenewable energy, defense, science and technology, nuclear energy, and warming up trade.

Bolsonaro believes that the economic overhauls Brazil and Argentina are conducting are crucial for sustainable growth and the reinvigoration of bilateral trade. “Most of this exchange comprises manufactured goods of high added value which ensure quality jobs in a number of sectors,” he argued.

“We talked frankly, as should be the case among friends and strategic partners, with no ideological bias. What moves us is the search for concrete results that contribute to the development of our countries and the welfare of Brazilians and Argentinians,” the Brazilian head of state pointed out.

Extradition

Brazil and Argentina also signed a new deal on extradition, with a view to enhancing and speeding up legal cooperation between the two nations.

Before the assembly, Brazilian Minister of Justice and Public Security Sergio Moro said the current agreement is old, and added the revision will make for faster communication.

“The forms of communication are different today, and one feels the need for constantly making these cooperation mechanisms swifter.”