Colombia will participate in the First Summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) where it will review regional economic and social issues.
In Santiago, Chile from January 26 to 28, representatives from Latin America, the Caribbean and the European Union will meet to discuss proposals for renewed economic and social indicators. Closing the infrastructure gap and how to strengthen economic cooperation amongst regional countries will be the primary focus of the summit.
According to Colombia’s Foreign Ministry, “the Declaration and Plan of Action of Santiago, which will define…CELAC during 2013, includes topics such as: reducing the infrastructure gap in Latin America and the Caribbean, addressing the region’s vulnerability to climate change, strengthening regional financial architecture, creating an energy strategy…and measures to improve consular care and migration management, among others.”
One of the topics Colombian president Juan Manuel Santos is particularly eager to address is the issue of the weapons trade.
“Let us promote — and hopefully achieve — a delcaration from Latin American and European countries [which promises that we will] in all seriousness and commitment, discuss this crucial issue,” Santos said on Thursday.
The uncontrolled sale of weapons “facilitates violence and crime in many countries — including Colombia, and we should avoid spending more time without proper regulation,” said the head of state.
The Community of Latin American and Caribbean States was formed in 2011 in Caracas, Venezuela.
