EU CELAC: Co chairs' joint press release

The informal meeting of Foreign Ministers of the European Union (EU) and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) took place in New York on 26 September 2024. The meeting was co-chaired by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, and Honduras' Secretary of State, Eduardo Enrique Reina García, acting as Pro Tempore Chair of CELAC. Participants included members of the enlarged CELAC troika- Colombia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, as well as Grenada -along with Foreign Ministers and representatives from CELAC countries and EU Member States.

The meeting offered an important opportunity to reinforce bi-regional dialogue and advance shared priorities ahead of the upcoming EU-CELAC ministerial meeting foreseen to take place in Brussels in the spring of 2025 and the fourth bi-regional Summit foreseen to take place in Colombia later next year.

Ministers reviewed the state of relations, including an updated bi-regional roadmap, and reaffirmed that by working as equal partners, both regions are better positioned to address the multiple crises and challenges of our times. They committed to advancing the EU-CELAC partnership, building on the momentum of the EU-CELAC Summit held in July 2023 in Brussels.

Ministers acknowledged the progress made since the 2023 Summit. They welcomed the implementation of initiatives from the EU-CELAC Roadmap 2023-2025 and discussed further actions in preparation for the next EU-CELAC Summit in Colombia in 2025. They stressed the importance of maintaining regular high-level political dialogues, to exchange views on key issues of global governance, international security, and stability. They welcomed the launch of a permanent EU-CELAC consultation mechanism in Tegucigalpa in May. Ministers discussed the strengthening of trade and investment ties to facilitate the establishment of reliable supply chains, foster sustainable growth, and create jobs across both regions. They welcomed the advancements made and emphasised the importance of swiftly implementing the EU-LAC Global Gateway Investment Agenda.

In the context of current geopolitical challenges, Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the shared values underpinning the EU-CELAC partnership, including the promotion of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. Recognizing the unique people-to-people ties between the two regions, Ministers stressed the importance of fostering these connections ahead of the next Summit and enhancing the role of the EU-LAC Foundation.

As representatives of two regions that, together, make up nearly one-third of UN membership, Ministers underscored their fundamental commitment to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. They also highlighted the significance of meeting just days after the adoption of the "Pact for the Future" at the UN Summit of the Future and reaffirmed their commitment to the ambitious implementation of the Pact.

EU-CELAC ROADMAP 2023 to 2025