Brazil, Argentina to strengthen ties with Pacific Alliance

Brazilian President Michel Temer met Tuesday in Brasilia with his Argentine counterpart Mauricio Macri on measures of getting their countries closer to the Pacific Alliance, a Latin American trade bloc.

In the meeting, the two presidents explored ways that can help strengthen their countries' ties with the four founding members of the bloc -- Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru.

"It is time to increase trade, investments and opportunities for Argentineans and Brazilians," Temer said.

"In a moment in which tendencies of disunion, isolation and protectionism gain momentum, Argentina and Brazil answer with more approximation, dialogue and trade," he said.

"There will be a chancellors' meeting in March to address Mercosur's (the Southern Common Market) relations with the Pacific Alliance," Macri said.

The two presidents also hope to strengthen relations with the United States, China, Japan and the European Union.

In his first official trip to Brazil as president, Macri signed a series of cooperation and collaboration agreements with Temer. He extended invitation to Temer for a visit to Argentina later this year, and Temer accepted the invitation. Endi