Paraguay s President Mario Abdo Benítez Friday paid a visit to the Argentina-born Pope Francis in Vatican City. The encounter, held at 10.30 local time, lasted 20 minutes during which both leaders discussed the fight against poverty and the overcoming of inequalities, in addition to the challenges facing the Abdo administration regarding climate change in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Argentina is to take over Tuesday the pro-tempore presidency of Mercosur from Uruguay in Montevideo, where the hosts unilateral search for other markets behind the regional bloc s back has stirred controversies.
Montevideo, Dec 6 (Prensa Latina) Uruguayan Foreign Minister Francisco Bustillo was hospitalized due to health problems during the day of the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR) Summit, ongoing in this capital.
Uruguay's move to join one of Asia's biggest pacts marks a rupture after years of Montevideo seeking a more open approach to international commerce by the group.
After announcing last week that he would resign, Paraguayan Vice President Hugo Velazquez conveyed to reporters Thursday his decision to remain in office until proof against him is submitted.