“One of the central issues is the economic reactivation,” said Deputy Foreign Minister Freddy Mamani in statements to the Bolivia TV state channel, and affirmed that Bolivia’s proposal occurs in a global context marked by environmental, social, economic, energetic and political crisis, which require joint action.

He recalled the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, the critical energy situation, that of fertilizers, and on top of all that, the 2030 Agenda. Regarding this last issue, he stated that “we are halfway there and in September the issue will be discussed in the United Nations Summit.

Mamani said in the interview that the 3rd summit constitutes the restart of relations (between the blocs) after the last one held in 2015, and addresses different issues, among which he highlighted the reinforcement of cooperation in multilateral forums, world peace and stability, trade and investments, economic recovery, the fight against climate change, research and innovation, justice and security for citizens.

Arce spoke on Monday at the People’s Summit, an alternative meeting organized by civil society, popular movements and left-wing parties, committed to the multilateral agenda. “Latin America and the Caribbean need to support each other with Europe to get ahead in the face of common challenges, but for this, a frank and sincere dialogue is essential, without conditions or impositions,” he said.

Arce emphasized that an important signal to build this dialogue would be the immediate lifting of the economic sanctions that weigh on several Latin American and Caribbean countries, alluding to the damage derived from economic, commercial and financial pressures such as those suffered by Cuba and Venezuela.

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