The Argentine ambassador to the United States, Jorge Argüello, assured this Friday that bilateral relations between Argentina and that northern country “are at an optimal level”, on the 200th anniversary of the start of diplomatic contacts between the two nations.
In an interview with Télam, Argüello stressed that these relations “are at an optimal level, both from the point of view of political dialogue and in the field of trade and investment,” and recalled that the United States is the first investor and the third trading partner of Argentina.
– What do these 200 years of bilateral relations between Argentina and the United States mean?
– It is a very important date that allows us to reflect on the evolution of the bilateral relationship with the world’s leading power. It is practically a mirror where we can see key stages of our own national history. With all its inconsistencies and ups and downs, the anniversary finds us where we need to be. And I am very proud to have worked for that in two different terms as ambassador. They are two centuries in which many things happened. The international scenario was transformed from the early post-colonial years to the present, including two World Wars and a Cold War. The interests of both countries have been both competitive and complementary. The values, at different junctures, have been near and far, depending on the time. But in the substance of the bilateral relationship there are elements that link us deeply. In both countries, the concept of independent power was born from below to face power from above, with a design of power that was distributed and not concentrated, deliberative and not authoritarian. A power that would reside in the people, without the mediation of birthrights, inheritance or titles in perpetuity. Freedom, equality and progress are constitutive parts of both countries.
– At what point are those relations today?
– Relations are at an optimal level, both from the point of view of political dialogue and in the field of trade and investment. The United States is our first investor, our third trading partner and is the first market for strategic sectors such as knowledge-based services. Starting in 2021, the link was relaunched with President Joseph Biden. The United States returned to international forums trying to recover its leadership. This found Argentina with a consolidated regional leadership and dialogue with governments of different political color. Since then, we have played a leading role in plurilateral initiatives, invited by President Biden, on the main issues on the global global agenda, such as climate change, pandemics, democracy or human rights. With the support of the United States, we reached an agreement with the IMF in 2022 and in the last two years we have had multiple bilateral visits of the highest level, through which we managed to expand and deepen cooperation in various areas.
– What issues did President Alberto Fernández address in his bilateral meeting last Wednesday with Christopher Dodd?
– It was an excellent working meeting with President Biden’s special envoy. The objective was to deepen and broaden the ties within the framework of the 200 years of the establishment of the bilateral relationship. Our President underlined the objective of strengthening CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) as a forum for inter-American dialogue and highlighted fundamental axes of the region, such as that it is a zone of peace and the concept of unity in diversity. The dialogue was frank and emphasis was placed on the multiplicity of issues that make up the bilateral bond, such as food and energy security, the consolidation of democracy, the protection of human rights, climate change, among many others. Our President stressed that the United States is a key partner and asked Dodd to continue deepening the field of trade and investment in the context of the food and energy crisis.
– What does it mean for Argentina that US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken highlighted today in a statement the importance of the bilateral relationship?
– It is very important and reflects what we said before: the excellent state of relations. In his statements, the Secretary of State highlights the common commitment to democracy, the rule of law, labor rights and human rights, among others. He speaks of deeply rooted values in both countries, including equitable economic prosperity, environmental protection, and prioritizing science and education. It is a faithful reflection of reality, which is sometimes sought to be distorted to pursue interests that are not those of showing what is happening.
– What will you work on this year in terms of trade with the United States?
– In the entire trade basket we seek to increase quantities and expand the product portfolio. We have planned an intense work schedule during 2023 to promote exports and attract investment that is part of the bicentennial. It will be held in Washington DC and in the six consulates general of Argentina based in New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston and Atlanta. We will address all sectors but with special priority in the aerospace sector, organic products in general, fishing, tourism promotion, video games, e-sports and other verticals of the knowledge economy. Also in the investment field, activities will be very intense, with a focus on value-added mining and renewable energy.
– Is there still the possibility this year of a bilateral meeting with Biden?
– Yes.
