The Taoiseach will today Monday attend the sixth European Union – Latin America and Caribbean Summit. The bi-regional Summit is held every two years, alternating between the two regions and brings together the Heads of State and Government of 60 countries. The Summit will be co-chaired by Prime Minister Zapatero of Spain and President Fernandez Kirchner of Argentina.

The overall purpose of EU-LAC Summits is to strengthen the strategic relationship between the two regions and to exchange views on current global issues. The central theme of this year’s Summit is “Towards a new phase of the bi-regional association: innovation and technology for sustainable development and social inclusion”. The Summit will also focus on two main international issues – the global financial crisis and climate change including opportunities for economic growth.

The current situation in Haiti is also expected to feature. The EU has pledged €1.2 billion in aid to Haiti which makes it the largest international donor. This includes a pledge from Ireland of €13 million over three years in relief, recovery and reconstruction assistance.

While in Madrid, the Taoiseach will also use the opportunity to meet bi-laterally with leaders of some of the LAC countries. He is also expected to meet with PM Zapatero of Spain in the context of Spain holding the current EU Presidency.