Brussels [Belgium], November 10: Leaders from the European Union and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) gather on Sunday in Colombia for their fourth summit, aimed at strengthening cooperation on energy, climate change and international security.
Among those to attend the two-day talks in the coastal city of Santa Marta are Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.
Together, the EU and CELAC represent more than 1 billion people, accounting for 14% of the world's population and 21% of global economic output.
The meeting's guest list is notably thin, however. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is skipping, as are the leaders of Germany, France, Mexico, Argentina and Chile.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro, the host, plans to raise the issue of deadly US military strikes against alleged drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean - a contentious issue that may explain some absences as leaders seek to avoid drawing Washington's ire.
US forces have repeatedly sunk high-speed vessels allegedly used by traffickers in recent weeks off the coast of Venezuela. The growing US military presence in the region has fuelled concern that the Trump administration may be laying the groundwork for an operation aimed at pushing the authoritarian government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro out of power.
Washington also imposed sanctions on Petro last month, accusing him of lacking determination in the fight against drug cartels.
During the meeting, which will continue until November 10 at the Santamar Conference Center, participants will review common bi-regional challenges that demand a roadmap and a coordinated approach, essential for achieving concrete results.
Colombian Foreign Minister Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio stated that the meeting represents a commitment to consolidating relationships with strategic partners, enabling societies to move forward through the diversification of ties and providing an opportunity to find allies with whom horizontal dialogue is possible.
Villavicencio further underscored that the final declaration, for which extensive prior political dialogue was undertaken, will address the defense of democratic values, multilateralism, shared projects highlighting energy transitions, and the recognition of the importance of bi-regional cooperation.
The diplomat emphasized that the 4th CELAC-EU Summit represents an opportunity to strengthen integration, promote sustainable development, and project a unified voice on the global stage.
Source: Qatar Tribune
