Brussels, 29/06/2007 (Agence Europe) - During a high level meeting between the European Commission and the representatives of Central American states (Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama) on Friday 29 June in Brussels, negotiations turned to the conclusion of an association agreement between the two regional partners. Once Panama has decided to join the Secretariat for Central American Economic Integration (SIECA), it will be fully involved in these talks. “A decisive step has been taken today with the launch of these negotiations”, said Benita Ferrero-Waldner in a press release. The European commissioner for external relations welcomes the fact that, through this “ambitious agreement, the EU and Central America restate their long commitment in favour of strengthening their partnership, at both political and economic levels”.
The association agreement is conceived as a general agreement covering the whole range of relations between the EU and the countries of Central America. It aims to promote political dialogue, intensify and enhance cooperation in many fields (health, education, fight against poverty, sustainable management of resources and regional integration) and to strengthen economic cooperation. Mid-April this year, Ms Ferrero-Waldner had presented the Commission's programme of aid to the region (see EUROPE 9408). Amounting to €840 million for the period 2007-2013, the allocation for this financial support programme is 25% more than for earlier periods, the commissioner said. (mb)