The authorities of the Uruguayan cities of Fray Bentos and the Argentinean cities of Gualeguaychú celebrated this Tuesday (03.12.2024) December 3, 2024 the meeting of the Fray Bentos-Gualeguaychú Binational Committee, marking the return of these meetings after 25 years of interruption. The event was considered a milestone in bilateral cooperation, highlighting the commitment of both countries to reactivate dialogue and integration in the region.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uruguay underlined the relevance of this event in the framework of a renewed bilateral relationship. Among the attendees The event was attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uruguay, Francisco Bustillo; the Argentine Vice-Chancellor, Eduardo Bustamante; the ambassadors Carlos Enciso (Uruguay) and Martín García Moritán (Argentina); the Mayor of Río Negro, Griselda Crevoisier; the Governor of Entre Ríos, Rogelio Frigerio; and the Mayor of Gualeguaychú, Mauricio Davico, together with representatives of the foreign ministries of both countries.
Bustillo described this meeting as a fundamental step, since it represents the reactivation of the Committee, which was suspended for more than two decades due to, among other factors, the conflict over the installation of cellulose plants. In his statements, he stressed that “this session marks a key step towards the integration of the communities that inhabit both banks of the Uruguay River.”
The chancellor explained that Border integration committees are essential to coordinate issues that directly affect border populations, and that is why its reactivation was a priority for the Foreign Ministry this year. The objective is to move towards a border policy that transcends governments and is consolidated as a State policy.
According to the Foreign Ministry's statement, several issues were discussed during the Committee's working tables. relevant issues, such as "border facilitation, local transit, infrastructure, production, tourism, security, the operation of integrated control areas, health, education, teacher training, student exchange, the creation of new binational careers, and the development of the Gualeguaychú-UTEC/UTU university hub."
Bustillo concluded by highlighting that cooperation between Uruguay and Argentina is a profound manifestation of the brotherhood that unites both countries: “Our friendship is an invaluable treasure that we must protect and cultivate for future generations.”
Aduana News is the first Argentine customs newspaper to launch its digital version. With 20 years of experience, its publications and initiatives aim to provide the most relevant knowledge on customs issues in order to contribute to safe trade in the region.
