Uruguay assumes MERCOSUR presidency with commitment to trade liberalisation and integration

Uruguayan President Yamandu Orsi assumed the Pro Tempore Presidency of MERCOSUR at the 68th Summit of Heads of State, held in Luque, Paraguay, calling for deeper regional integration against an international backdrop marked by geopolitical uncertainty.

Marking the 35th anniversary of the Treaty establishing a Common Market (Asuncion Treaty), Orsi reaffirmed the bloc’s founding spirit and stated that "integration is not about thinking alike; it is about trusting one another, creating opportunities and building a shared future", whilst warning that current challenges demand greater cooperation, dialogue and integration, according to Diario La R, a partner of TV BRICS.

Uruguay will also push for the conclusion of negotiations with the United Arab Emirates and seek to make progress with India, Vietnam and other countries. Orsi emphasised that opening up to the international stage does not mean turning away from the region, but rather strengthening it.

Within the group itself, the Uruguayan leader will prioritise the modernisation of border areas, the facilitation of the movement of people and goods.

He will also promote an agenda for technological innovation and education, as well as a new MERCOSUR Social Summit. Orsi reaffirmed democracy and human rights as essential pillars and expressed solidarity with Venezuela.