The A(H1N1) virus, which has claimed more than 60 lives worldwide to date, was one of the key topics at an EU-Rio Group meeting held in Prague under the Czech EU presidency.

Mexico, where the disease originated, currently presides over the Rio Group, created in 1986 and brings together 21 nations from Chile to Cuba.

The ministers also praised the “enormous efforts the Mexican authorities have made in a transparent way to contain the spread of the virus and to help those suffering from infection.”

They added that the EU and the Rio Group “will continue to act in a strong and decisive manner to face (the disease) and to rapidly overcome its social and economic impact,” and called for “a spirit of global solidarity” in tackling the virus and for cooperation with the World Health Organisation.

According to WHO data released on Wednesday there have been a total of 5,728 confirmed cases of A(H1N1) in 33 countries throughout the world.

Mexican Foreign Minister Patricia Espinosa stressed that Mexico was by now “a safe country,” and that it was waiting for tourists and investors “with open arms”.