In the city of Buenos Aires, the meeting of Foreign Ministers of Argentina and Paraguay was held on December 13 and 14, 2018, to install the Joint Commission, in order to address issues related to the application of the 1967 Navigation Treaty and other issues on the bilateral agenda on river issues.
The delegations were headed by the Vice-Ministers of Foreign Affairs of both countries, Daniel Raimondi and Hugo Saguier Caballero, who highlighted the constructive dialogue that has been maintained between both countries, with the aim of achieving beneficial results for both countries and that allow for the promotion of regional development, the Paraguayan government said in a statement.
Measures of Argentina
The Vice-Chancellors welcomed Argentina's measures that favor free navigation, which include the extension for two years of the double-bottom hull height requirements for barges transporting vegetable oil and the relaxation of the requirements for the passage of convoys on the General Belgrano Bridge.
The Argentine delegation also announced the imminent issuance of a regulation by which the exemption from taking on board a pilot will be extended to 135 metres in length for self-propelled vessels. In this way, a satisfactory response will be given to the Paraguayan claim in this matter.
Paraguay's measures
The Paraguayan Delegation announced its decision to restore the current location of the free zone in the Port of Rosario and its relocation within an area that enables its optimal use and utilization in accordance with the alternatives offered by the province of Santa Fe. To this end, the Delegations agreed to convene the Joint Commission of the 1979 Agreement within a maximum period of 30 days, at which time the instruments will be signed by which the return of the current property will be made effective and, simultaneously, its relocation.
On December 18 of this year, on the occasion of the Mercosur Summit, the decision to allow international vehicular traffic to circulate over the Yacyretá dam crest will be announced.For such purposes, an exchange of reverse notes will be carried out to implement the commitment reached.
The Delegations highlighted the importance of introducing the topic of Public Safety on the Hydroway, extend the application of the ISPS Code, combat drug trafficking and other risk factors, ensuring free transit without delays and promoting the fluidity of trade.
The 50% reduction in the migration rate, starting in the first half of January 2019, in all ports in Argentina and its subsequent gradual reduction was a measure welcomed by the Foreign Ministers.
There will be a preferential dock for Paraguayan transshipment operations in the Port of Buenos Aires, officials said, according to the Paraguayan Foreign Ministry.
The Joint Commission will meet during the first quarter of 2019, the text states.
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