May 16, 2008: Summit EU - Latin America

On Friday, May 16, 2008, Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolánek will be leading a Czech delegation at the 5th summit meeting of the heads of state and government of the countries of the European Union, Latin America and the Caribbean, to be held in the Peruvian capital Lima.

The main topics under discussion at the summit will cover solution of issues connected with poverty and sustainable development as part of the global climate changes. The Czech Republic has been cooperating with Latin American countries, for instance in the field of government scholarships, also granting its development aid to selected countries. The past few years have seen a major shift in the process of concluding agreements with the individual states in the region. These involve primarily agreements abolishing visa obligations in an effort to facilitate tourist visits and business contacts. The Czech Republic’s presidency of the European Commission will be a suitable opportunity for further intensification of contacts with Latin American countries. In May 2009, the Czech Republic will be hosting a ministerial meeting of the EU and Rio Group to be attended by more than 20 delegations.

Press Department of the Office of the Government of the Czech Republic