Launching of a new EU-Central America Political Dialogue and Co-operation Agreement in Panama 12-15 May 2003

Against the background of the XIX San Jose Dialogue Ministerial Meeting that took place on 13 May 2003 in Panama City, the EU and Central American countries opened a first round of negotiations with the goal of concluding a new Political Dialogue and Co-operation Agreement.
The decision to negotiate a new EU-Central America agreement was taken by Heads of State and Government at the Madrid EU-Latin America and Caribbean Summit in 2002. The new Agreement would strengthen relations and co-operation between the two regions. In addition it should help to create the conditions under which a feasible and mutually beneficial Association Agreement, including a free trade agreement, could be negotiated between the parties.

• Primary Source

European Commission: DG Trade: Countries and regions: Central America http://ec.europa.eu/trade/policy/countries-and-regions/regions/central-america/

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