The European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee, headed by German MP  David McAllister , was received this afternoon by the President of the Chamber of Deputies of the Nation,  Martín Menem , within the framework of the negotiations for the Mercosur-European Union Agreement. 

The Speaker of the Lower House considered it "a true honor to receive those who represent the citizens of Europe, a continent with which Argentina shares deep cultural, historical, and philosophical roots." 
"We believe in international integration based on the defense of the national interest. And we also believe that trade agreements should be tools for expanding well-being," Menem stated. 
Similarly, the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies affirmed that "Argentina and the European Union maintain a deep historical, cultural, and economic bond."
"We would like to highlight the Mercosur-European Union Agreement as a historic opportunity. Our country welcomes any effort that aims to break down tariff barriers, eliminate bureaucratic obstacles to trade, and expand markets for our goods and services," he said.
In concrete terms, Menem argued that the Agreement "offers significant benefits for our manufacturing and regional economies." "Tariff reductions for various Argentine industrial products and the progressive implementation of the free trade regime are anticipated, which will allow us to gain competitiveness in high-income markets," he stated. 
“In particular, sectors such as citrus fruits, vegetables, and cotton will access a free trade framework that will be implemented gradually over the next four to ten years,” he added. 
Menem also explained that domestic wines “will see a complete elimination of tariffs within eight years, paving the way for greater integration into the demanding European market.” 
Likewise, the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies especially valued “the possibility of strengthening parliamentary ties” between the two regional blocs. “Parliaments are spaces where the popular will is expressed, but also where debate takes place and the path toward a future with greater freedoms is forged. On behalf of this Chamber, I want to reaffirm our commitment to a mature, strategic, and mutually beneficial relationship between Argentina and the European Union,” he concluded.
For his part, Representative  Fernando Iglesias  (PRO), Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Worship, celebrated the fact that "there are excellent historical reasons for this Agreement: the emotional, familial, and social ties between European countries and Argentina, the convergence of principles and values; but much more important are the historical reasons that speak to the future." 
"Both regions will be much better off if we manage to establish this Agreement," Iglesias predicted.
The European delegation later participated in a meeting of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Worship. During his participation in the Committee, David McAllister explained that "we have very good reasons for choosing to come to Argentina and Uruguay this week." 
“We want to underline the importance of strengthening ties between Europe and the countries of this part of the world. Argentina is, without a doubt, a key partner for the European Union, a long-standing relationship based on shared values ​​and respect for human rights,” he said.
The President of the European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs also stated: “We want to grow our partnership with Argentina, particularly in these current times of significant geopolitical change. Our first visit to Latin America is a sign of determination and commitment to our bilateral relations.” 
The European Parliament delegation was composed of  Urmas Paet , Vice-President of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (Estonia);  Francisco José Millán Mon , Permanent Rapporteur for Mercosur (Spain); and the members of the Committee on Foreign Affairs,  Andrzej Halicki  (Poland);  Evin Incir  (Sweden);  Arkadiusz Mularczyk  (Poland); and  Jonas Sjöstedt  (Sweden).

Also attending the meeting in the Hall of Honor were Representatives  Cecilia Ibáñez  (MID); Soledad Carrizo  (UCR);  Patricia Vázquez  (PRO); Representative  Juan Manuel López (CC); and Luciana Términe,  Director of Parliamentary Diplomacy and International Cooperation of the Chamber of Deputies.