Quito, November 17 (PL-RHC)-- The national coordinators of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (Celac) hope on Tuesday to unify views on the extra regional relations of the block, and begin preparations for the next summit of the organization.

Delegates from the 33 member countries on Monday discussed relations with China and other regional members, and discussed the so-called Agenda 2020, an initiative focused on reducing extreme poverty and inequality; education, science, technology and innovation; climate change; infrastructure and connectivity.

The Celac-EU ties and the block's representation in other international organizations will be addressed on Tueday.

“We must consolidate a strategic vision for the international integration of the Celac, based on the identification of regional interests, as well as the analysis and evaluation of the current relations with global players,” urged the Ecuadorian Deputy Foreign Minister Xavier Lasso, at the opening of the event.

According to the official, Celac -founded in 2010- must continue working on widening the extra regional relations as the case of China.

He added that a common position on the shape and scope of the regional voice in international forums is one of great expectation.

Celac is a great opportunity and hope to have our own room for negotiation, development and dialogue with major powers and other regions, said Lasso.

The 4th Summit of the regional block will take place in Quito in late January, when Ecuador will deliver the pro-tempore presidency to the Dominican Republic.