New York, September 25 (teleSUR-RHC)-- The Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) released a statement saying that on the sidelines of the 70th United Nations General Assembly, members of the regional bloc would meet to discuss strengthening their integration.

CELAC representatives of the 33 member-countries will analyze the advances of the 2020 Agenda, a document that sets the groundwork for the functioning of CELAC during the next five years.
     
Their main focus is on continuing to reduce poverty and hunger, as well as improve the region's education, science, technology, environment.  The agenda also covers objectives regarding climate change, infrastructure and connectivity.

The bloc has also agreed to intensify ties with countries outside CELAC, including China, a country that has greatly increased their influence and assistance in Latin America.
     
The regional organization also has plans to establish a mechanism of political dialogue and cooperation with Russia and India, as well as advancing relations with Turkey and South Korea.

Ecuadorean President Rafael Correa currently holds the pro tempore presidency of CELAC.

The 2020 Agenda is still being discussed behind closed doors at the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) headquarters in Quito, and therefore, is yet to be approved by the 33 CELAC countries when they meet for a summit in 2016.