Macri, Bolsonaro to discuss Mercosur and Venezuela crisis tomorrow

The first meeting between Argentine President Mauricio Macri and Brazil’s new President Jair Bolsonaro is slated to take place tomorrow (Jan. 16) behind closed doors, followed by a plenary session to be attended by Brazilian and Argentine ministers.

On the agenda are the crisis assailing Venezuela and measures to make Mercosur (Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, with Venezuela suspended) more flexible.

This will be the first time the two presidents meet. - Carolina Antunes/Presidência do Brasil

Efforts to make bilateral trade more dynamic, fight organized crime and corruption, improve defense, and promote spacial development and nuclear energy are also likely to be discussed.

Argentina’s delegation lands in Brazil today (15), and is formed by the ministers for Foreign Relations, Production, Defense, Finance, Security and Justice, and Human Rights.

Macri was one of the first foreign leaders to congratulate Bolsonaro on his win at the polls. On the occasion, the Brazilian president expressed gratitude and mentioned the strong ties between Argentina and Brazil.

Progress in Mercosur

The future of Mercosur and strategies to forge bilateral deals between group members and other blocs and countries without the obligatory approval of Mercosur will be brought to debate.

The two leaders will also discuss measures to advance talks between the bloc and the European Union, in addition to bringing forward an internal agenda encompassing ways to simplify taxation, bring regulations closer together, and decrease barriers among member countries.

The crisis in Venezuela will also be focused by Bolsonaro and Macri. As did Brazil, Argentina signed a joint declaration not recognizing the legitimacy of the second tenure of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, and arguing for new elections. The declaration was signed with the Lima Group, which comprises 14 nations.