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The EU and the Rio Group

In order to facilitate the discussion of topics of common interest, the countries of Latin America created a forum for political consultation called the Rio Group. Established in 1986 with an initial membership of six, it now comprises 23 countries: all Latin American countries plus the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Belize, Guyana and Haiti. Cuba has joined the Rio Group in November 2008. The other Caribbean countries are represented by one of the full Caribbean members (presently Jamaica). It is administered by a rotating and temporary secretariat. Mexico is the current Pro Tempore Secretary of the Rio Group.

The Rio Group dialogue with the EU was institutionalized in 1990. Until the creation in 1999 of the EU/Latin America and Caribbean Summit process, the EU-Rio Group meetings were the sole framework of political dialogue between the EU and the Latin American countries on key issues for the partnership (human rights, poverty reduction, peace and security, drugs, etc)

The EU and the Rio Group meet at Ministerial level every two years alternatively in each regionand on alternate years to the EU-LAC Summits.

The EU/Rio Group Ministerial meeting took place in Prague on 14 May 2009. It concluded with the adoption of a Joint Statement addressing the key themes of the meeting: 1.- renewable sources of energy: a sustainable approach to energy security and climate change and 2.- recovery of financial stability and growth of the world economy. It also adopted a declaration of solidarity and support with the countries most affected by the Novel flu virus, particularly Mexico.

Joint Statement