BERLIN (Reuters) – Germany hopes for a swift conclusion of trade talks between European Union and Mercosur negotiators, a spokesperson for the economy ministry said in Berlin on Friday.
“It is known that we support and strive for this agreement and also want it to be concluded really swiftly,” the spokesperson told reporters at a regular news conference.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will host Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva for government consultations on Monday in Berlin.
Brazil currently holds the presidency of Mercosur.
The free trade deal has been on hold since 2019 largely due to European concerns over Amazon deforestation and Mercosur’s slow response to an EU addendum proposing environmental safeguards.
(Reporting by Rachel More; Editing by Maria Sheahan)
