New Organization for Asia-Latin America Ties

There is to be a new organization between Asian and Latin American countries aiming at promoting mutual cooperation from 2001.
A source from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Thursday said that representatives from 15 Asian and Oceanian nations and 12 South and Central American countries held a meeting in Singapore last week, and agreed to found an 'East Asia-Latin America Forum' (EALAF).
Ten ASEAN country members including Korea, Japan and China, Australia and New Zealand, and Brazil, Argentina, Chile Peru, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, Paraguay, Mexico, Panama and Uruguay are to join the group.
He stated, 'Followed by APEC and ASEM, this new council will further connect South American countries eventually leading to a summit meeting in the future.'
Latin America is seen as holding great potential future growth which could be useful for Asia's political, economical and cultural status.
Bong Hwa-shik:trojans@joongang.co.kr