Buenos Aires: Foreign Ministers from the Southern Common Market (Mercosur) - namely Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay - convened at the San Martín Palace to advance regional integration in light of evolving global trade dynamics. According to Nam News Network, the discussions centered on eliminating intra-zone trade barriers, strengthening regional value chains, harmonizing regulations, and enhancing both physical and digital integration. The ministers underscored recent progress in external negotiations, notably mentioning the agreement with the European Union and ongoing talks with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and the United Arab Emirates, with a target for completion by 2025. In this context, they emphasized the significance of deepening integration via the removal of intra-zone trade restrictions, the consolidation of regional value chains, improvements to Integrated Control Areas, and greater connectivity among member states. The ministers reiterated their consensus from the April 11 meeting on the temporary expansion of the National List of Exceptions to the Common External Tariff, allowing each Mercosur state to include up to 50 tariff codes. Furthermore, the top diplomats stressed the unity of the regional bloc and its critical role in regional coordination, development, and prosperity for member countries. They also agreed to maintain an open and candid dialogue in preparation for the LXVI Ordinary Meeting of the Common Market Council and the Summit of Mercosur Presidents, scheduled for July 2 and 3 at the Palacio San Martín, as highlighted in their joint statement.