Argentina, Brazil and Venezuela committed to Trilateral integration

The Presidents of Argentina, Brazil and Venezuela have issued a joint statement after meeting in Montevideo for the swearing in of Uruguayan President Tabare Vasquez.

Nestor Kirchner (Argentina), Lula da Silva (Brazil) and Hugo Chavez Frias (Venezuela) welcome the victory of left-wing Vasquez and expressing the hope that it will reinforce South American integration.

a.. Poverty is identified as the continent’s key problem, which stands in stark contrast to the region’s abundant natural riches. The Presidents recognize the need to draw up joint programs and plans to remedy the contradiction.

They say they are committed to pursuing a South American Community of Nations and expect to seal a trilateral agreement during an upcoming meeting of South American nations with Arab League countries.

The processes of integration, the statement goes on to say, are a necessity geared towards attending meetings of regional and international multilateral organizations with a joint position to give greater strength to the voice of our countries than when positions are expressed on an individual basis.

The Presidents have agreed to set up meetings of Finance, Energy, Social Area Ministers as well as presidents of Central Banks within 30 days.

During yesterday’s meeting, the leaders discussed setting up a Southern Cone Economic Community (Mercosur) Structural Fund and Venezuela's full Mercosur membership.

The trilateral meeting next month will deal with integration, Telesur (continental TV network), Petrosur, South American Development Bank (Banco del Sur) and the setting up of a fund to deal with problems of poverty.

Finally, Brazil and Venezuela will shortly hold another presidential summit on social affairs to be prepared by Foreign Ministers.