South America summit ends with appeal for unity: “It didn’t do us any good to be divided”

A summit meeting of the heads of state and government of all South American countries ended in Brazil on Tuesday. The event took place on the initiative of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The left-wing politician said he wanted to discuss with his counterparts whether the countries on the continent were prepared to act as a bloc in order to negotiate more efficiently with other alliances.

For Lula, the event was a success as after several years of distancing due to political differences, all governments now spoke out in favor of more cooperation and unity. It was the first time since the last meeting of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) in Ecuador in 2014 that the leaders of all countries in the region came together. The participation of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, with whom Lula had already met for bilateral talks on Monday, caused a stir.

Brazil

As a host asked Lula presents ten proposals for the future of the region. Accordingly, the countries should deepen their “South American identity” in the currency area and reduce their dependence on foreign currencies. The regional exchange of students, teachers and researchers should also be boosted. The politician pleaded for more cooperation and integration: only if the South American countries act in unison could they fully develop the continent’s potential.

“A strong, secure, and politically organized South America expands our ability to assert true Latino and Caribbean identities internationally.”

Regional integration should be a permanent goal of South American governments, Lula said.

Argentina

Argentine President Alberto Fernández also advocated regional unity. This should be the state policy of every South American country. The politician shouted his counterparts to learn from their mistakes:

“It did us no good to be divided.”

As an example, he cited the COVID-19 pandemic, which has revealed the disadvantages of regional division. Heads of state and government should not be afraid of change. UNASUR should become more flexible, with decisions being made by majority rather than consensus.

Bolivia

Bolivian President Luis Arce pleaded for consensus and dialogue between countries so that South America could emerge as a collective and coordinated force in a multipolar world.

“This mechanism must learn from past experience and, given the complementarity of our peoples, must include social, economic, environmental and cultural issues.”

With a view to UNASUR, which had crumbled after several countries left, Arce advocated maintaining the structure of the union of states. After the long road you have come, it is easier to correct or change what is necessary than to form a new organization.

The politician thanked Brazil for their hospitality and Lula for inviting them to the meeting.

Colombia

South America should form a “unified voice” to defend itself in the international arena, demanded Colombian President Gustavo Petro. The region has several critical assets to help resolve the broader crisis humanity is now going through. On twitter gave announced that his country would rejoin UNASUR. However, he suggested another name for the organization: Association of South American Nations. Colombia left the union of states in 2018 under President Iván Duque. Currently, UNASUR includes Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Guyana, Suriname and Venezuela.

Ecuador

According to Ecuadorian head of state Guillermo Lasso, the summit in Brazil was an “important meeting for the future of South America”.

“We believe that integration should serve us to improve the lives of citizens. Their health, safety, education and environment are essential.”

Lasso’s office shared also tweeted that the Ecuadorian President emphasized strengthening democracy, freedom and respect for human rights at the meeting.

Peru

Since Peruvian President Dina Boluarte was unable to attend the meeting, the Andean country was represented by Prime Minister Alberto Otárola. In a video message, however, Boluarte explained that pragmatism should guide South American countries in creating a common agenda.

“We have to respect the political orientation and the internal processes of the different member states.”

Boluarte pleaded for a flexible and efficient administration without bureaucratic structures.

Uruguay

Uruguayan President Luis Lacalle Pou also spoke out against the tendency to “create organizations”. While the politician stated that on many points he had a different opinion than that prevailing in UNASUR, he called for the mechanisms already in place to be used to deepen relations. Lacalle Pou praised the “constructive spirit” of the summit convened by Lula.

“Let’s not waste any time. Life has an end, and while some may not believe it, so do governments.”

The official press release after the summit said that the leaders of the South American countries had reaffirmed the principle that the continent is a region of peace and cooperation. They have pledged to mutually expand trade and investment and improve logistics and infrastructure. The politicians had also emphasized the need for regular dialogue.

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