To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on relations with El Salvador. [16869]

Relations with El Salvador are friendly. We welcome the near completion of the implementation of the 1992 Peace Accords which have restored peace and democracy to that country. We are involved in a political dialogue with El Salvador through the San Jose process which began in November 1985. The next Ministerial meeting of the EU/San Jose dialogue will take place during our Presidency in Costa Rica next February. Our trade relationship is also developing with our exports up by 7.7 per cent. We are currently negotiating an Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement with El Salvador and Air Services talks took place on 20 and 21 November to discuss ways of improving air services between our two countries.