Foreign minister calls for renewed Belgian focus on Latin America
Latin America should once again be given "an important place in Belgian foreign policy," Foreign minister Maxime Prévot said following his visits to Colombia and Mexico. He sees closer ties with Mexico as a way to diversify Belgium’s trade relations, given the unpredictable nature of the United States as a "friend."
"Europe should not dance to the tune of Donald Trump," Prévot said on Thursday, referring to recent uncertainty in transatlantic relations. For him, the historical links between Europe and Latin America "represent a capital of trust and economic opportunity that can no longer be ignored."
Mexico is considered a strategic partner for the EU, which concluded an updated free trade agreement with the country earlier this year. The deal, expected to be finalised in the coming months, will help "strengthen European and Belgian competitiveness" while giving the Mexican government "more resources to fight criminal organisations," Prévot said.
Prévot noted that, while Mexico is a leader in ratifying global conventions, the country continues to face a deep human rights crisis tied to violence, organised crime and insecurity. He warned that turning away from Mexico would only worsen the situation, and that it requires "significant resources and the support of the international community to stop."
"China is at the same time an ally, rival and competitor"
The Foreign minister also highlighted China’s growing presence in the region. "China is at the same time an ally, rival and competitor," he said, calling on Europe "not to give up any ground," whether diplomatically or economically. To maintain its influence, Europe’s engagement with Latin America should be "not aggressive, but not naive either," Prévot concluded.
PHOTO © Nicolas TUCAT / AFP
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