13:22 | Lima, Aug. 11 (ANDINA).
The Third Summit of South America-Arab Countries (ASPA) in Peru will focus on political dialogue and cooperation and will discuss the situation in Syria, according to Peru's Deputy Foreign Minister Jose Beraun.
Beraun said the international meeting, scheduled for October 1-2 in Lima, is a great opportunity for both regions in the fields of political dialogue, trade and economic complementation.
"It’s a great opportunity for both regions. Not only Peru but all the countries of our region are looking to increase trade, investment and tourism. The Arab countries are net importers of goods and services and therefore there is a natural complementation that we must take advantage of," Beraun said during a press conference.
The deputy minister noted there are "endless" economic opportunities for both blocs and said "emphasis should be on achieving concrete results that benefit people from the two regions."
He also revealed that the Syrian issue would be addressed. "It’s a problem in process with no signs of a solution in the short term."
The third edition of the ASPA summit, which last year was postponed because of the political protests in several Arab countries, will have the attendance of 21 members from the Arab League and 11 from the Union of South American Nations, Unasur, since Syria and Paraguay are currently suspended from their organizations.
Parallel to the political meeting 400 business people from the Arab and South American countries will be holding talks on infrastructure, food security, the future of energy and natural resources.
(END) SMA/GCO/RZZ/EEP
Published: 8/11/2012