March 16 (UPI) -- Colombia and Venezuela said they will seek full membership in the Mercosur trade bloc amid an internal debate within the South American group over how to deepen its integration before a broad trade agreement with the European Union enters into force.
Venezuela joined as a full member in 2012, but was suspended in 2017 after the bloc activated its democratic clause because of the political crisis under the government of Nicolas Maduro.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro said of the weekend that both countries will submit formal applications to join the regional bloc after a meeting in Caracas between delegations from the two governments.
Petro said he also will seek to end the moratorium that keeps Venezuela suspended.
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