Spain, a strategic partner for the development of Central America, reaffirmed its commitment to support in facing the challenges caused by the pandemic, climate change, economic recovery and access to COVID-19 vaccines, reported SICA, an institution made up of Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama.
During her visit to El Salvador, the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and for Ibero-America and the Caribbean of the Government of Spain, Cristina Gallach, and the delegation of the Central American Integration System (SICA), led by Secretary General Vinicio Cerezo, held a meeting this Tuesday (23.03.2021/XNUMX/XNUMX).
Gallach said that Spain has been there in the past, in the present and in the future to work together.
"We are facing significant climate challenges and we have supported them as much as we can. Regional integration is good for countries., for the populations; in Europe we have emerged from great difficulties because we have worked together. It is up to us to support integration in an intelligent, supportive manner and ensure that we are where we want to be.r”, he added.
Among the main topics covered, the SICA delegation prioritized the economic recovery of its member countries, with emphasis on the articulation of regional and national plans, privileging intersectoral work; also, the attention of areas most affected by the pandemic and climatic phenomena such as tourism, agriculture and MSMEs, trade facilitation and investment in strategic sectors.
As for what environmental, it was explained that among the priorities is the post-pandemic recovery and the impacts caused in several countries by storms Eta and Iota. In addition, the promotion of a Green growth as the central axis of recovery economic, social and environmental, to overcome the challenges of climate change and lead the region's economies to a transition towards carbon neutrality. The aim is to achieve greater use of the region's ecological potential and the exploration of other, less polluting energy sources.
Other topics discussed included initiatives such as EUROCLIMA, the Ibero-American Network of Climate Change Offices (RIOCC) and the regional project to work on issues of floods and droughts. These are some of the most common problems that show the vulnerability to climate change faced by the region. The projects are supported by the Spain-SICA Fund and the European Union.
On the topic of Health, The support of the delegated cooperation of the European Union in the Joint purchase of medicines by the Council of Ministers of Health of Central America and the Dominican Republic (COMISCA). Within the framework of the SICA Contingency Plan against COVID-19, it was highlighted that the Joint Negotiation Mechanism is an effective and efficient tool that can be used in the acquisition of vaccines through block negotiation to achieve greater benefits.
"This space for dialogue took place within the framework of the commemoration of important milestones for Central America: the Bicentennial of the Independence of most countries in the region, the 35th anniversary of the Esquipulas Peace Accords and the 30th anniversary of SICA itself, scenarios conducive to strengthening the integration of the region," the statement clarified.
It should be noted that Costa Rica assumed the Pro Tempore Presidency of SICA during the first quarter of this year. Guatemala will do so during the second half of the year. The headquarters of the General Secretariat of SICA is located in El Salvador. This organization acts as the backbone of the commemorations at a regional level.
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