Czech Republic, May 11, 2009. High ranking officials are reportedly scheduled to begin a ministerial meeting on Tuesday in Prague between the Rio Group and European Union. The Czech Republic, as president of the EU is hosting the event whose main issues are the analysis of the world economic crisis, cooperation and the recovery of financial stability. Before the meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the 27 EU member nations and the 23 of the Group of Rio on Wednesday during the inaugural dinner, the experts will also discuss other important issues like climate change and alternative energy. Among some of the Foreign Ministers expected to participate are Chilean Mariano Fernandez; Venezuelan Nicolas Maduro; Peruvian Jose Garcia, Costa Rican Bruno Stagno, Nicaraguan Samuel Santos and Mexican Patricia Espinosa, among others. After the ministerial meeting the segments of the EU Troika will meet on the 14th with Mexico, Chile, Central America, MERCOSUR and the Andean Community. The Rio Group, made up by 23 countries will have for the first time the presence of Cuba, member as of 2008, in addition to Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Mexico, Dominican Republic and Venezuela. Also on the list are Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and the Caribbean Community. Mexico is the current president of the Rio Group, founded in December 18th, 1986 by the Rio de Janeiro Declaration signed then by Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela. (Cubaminrex- RHC) |