Brussels, 10/12/2013 (Agence Europe) - After Mexico's President Enrique Pena Nieto in February, then his US counterpart Barack Obama in May, the leaders of the eight countries of Central America are inviting President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso to discuss their regional integration process.
On 13-14 December, Barroso will visit Panama where he will participate in the 42nd SICA (Sistema de Integracion Centroamericano) summit in Buenaventura on Saturday, alongside the leaders of the six Central American countries (Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama and El Salvador) that are now linked to the EU by an association agreement which includes a free-trade agreement, and the leaders of Belize and the Dominican Republic. During an official ceremony, Panama's President Ricardo Martinelli will announce the granting of SICA observer status to the EU.
The day before, during a bilateral meeting, Barroso and Martinelli will speak about relations between the EU and Panama, and will discuss public security - a major concern for the region. A bilateral agreement on this will also be signed.
Lastly, Barroso will visit the expansion work of the Panama Canal, which is due to be completed by 2015. The expansion aims to double the cargo going through the canal, which was opened in 1914. International trade and the maritime industry will benefit directly from the expansion through lower shipping costs, and Panama's strategic position as a business platform for Central and South America will be strengthened. (EH/transl.fl)