Brussels, 12/06/2015 (Agence Europe) - During a meeting on the sidelines of the EU-Latin America and Caribbean summit in Brussels on Thursday 11 June (see EUROPE 11333), the leaders of the EU and Central American Integration System (SICA) reaffirmed that that they would continue their bilateral cooperation. This cooperation started in 1984 with the San Jose dialogue and has been strengthened since May 2014 with the entry into force of an enhanced political dialogue.
SICA's institutional framework integrates Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama and El Salvador. Belize joined the organisation in 2000 as a full member, whilst the Dominican Republic and Haiti became associate members in 2004 and 2013 respectively.
On Thursday, the parties called on those EU member states which have not yet done so to ratify the EU-Central America association agreement, and to complete the ratification procedures for it so that it can enter into force swiftly. The political section of the association agreement between the EU and the six countries of Central America (Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama) has been in force since 1 May 2014 (see EUROPE 11076), while the provisional implementation of the trade section of the association agreement has been operational with the region's six countries since 1 December 2013 (see EUROPE 10974).
In a joint statement on Thursday, the parties also underlined the importance of regional integration and the SICA's political resolve to make steady progress towards a customs union. The parties welcomed the EU's contribution to the regional integration process in Central America, and the €120 million aid programme that is planned for 2014-2020. In addition, the parties hailed the signing of a €15 million programme for fighting against coffee rust. (Emmanuel Hagry)