Overview
- Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez arrived from COP30, calling to build bridges with Latin America and the Caribbean and planning to attend the pre-inaugural dinner and opening.
- European Council President António Costa co-chairs the meeting, with Kaja Kallas representing the European Commission in place of Ursula von der Leyen.
- Organizers count 12 heads of state or government, six vice presidents and 23 foreign ministers, with notable absences including Emmanuel Macron, Claudia Sheinbaum, Gabriel Boric and Javier Milei.
- Recent U.S. maritime actions near Venezuela and Colombia, reported to have caused at least 69 deaths, form a tense backdrop as Colombia’s Gustavo Petro alleges U.S. pressure on attendance.
- The agenda highlights expanded trade, Global Gateway investment, climate and digital transition projects, migration management, and joint action against transnational crime and trafficking.