Asuncion, July 1 -- The 68th Mercosur Summit commenced in Paraguay's capital, Asuncion, coinciding with the 35th anniversary of the Treaty of Asuncion, which established the South American trade bloc in 1991.

The ministerial meeting of the Common Market Council (CMC) was inaugurated on Monday by Paraguayan Foreign Minister Ruben Ramirez Lezcano, who highlighted the bloc's progress in advancing regional integration and economic cooperation.

In his opening remarks, Lezcano said Mercosur continued to deliver tangible benefits for member nations and their citizens through sustained collaboration.

He noted that Paraguay's pro tempore presidency had overseen more than 360 meetings across various institutional bodies, ensuring progress on pri...