On the sidelines of the 54th OAS General Assembly being held in Asunción, Foreign Minister Diana Mondino was received today by the President of the Republic of Paraguay, Santiago Peña, with whom she discussed the importance of the historic bilateral relationship, based on lasting bonds between peoples, and the need to expand and consolidate the common agenda.
The Foreign Minister made a statement before her counterparts from the hemisphere during the first plenary session of the OAS General Assembly that is taking place at the CONMEBOL Convention Center. She expressed that “Argentina is going through a moment of structural, economic and social change. Since December 10, 2023, individual freedoms, the effective exercise of human rights, respect for the popular will and the rule of law are non-negotiable in our Homeland. We hope that this year, characterized by several electoral processes, will provide the framework for consolidating political rights throughout the region. For this reason, we condemn what happened yesterday in Bolivia, and we reiterate the importance of supporting democratic institutions in this brother country.”
“Aware that there can be no integration without democracy, we cannot ignore the situation that the populations of Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela are going through. We are committed to working in solidarity within the framework of the OAS to address these issues in a constructive and effective manner. I bring here a clear message for those who fight for freedom and democracy on our continent: Argentina will not leave you alone,” she stated.
Mondino pointed out: “We follow the political situation in Venezuela with special concern, and we firmly condemn all actions against the main leaders and opposition parties. There can be no half measures on this issue either. We must report and act. Our country has opened the doors of its Official Residence in Caracas to house no less than the entire campaign team of the main opposition leader, María Corina Machado. Our country has repeatedly requested the government of Venezuela to grant the corresponding safe-conduct passes as established by the 1954 Caracas Convention on Political Asylum, to allow the safe departure of all asylum seekers from the country. We haven’t got an answer yet,” she explained. “We also add our voice to the call for dialogue between Ecuador and Mexico. They are countries with history, culture and values similar enough to be sure of a very positive result,” she added.
“Just as there can be no integration without democracy, the benefits of democracy cannot be guaranteed without the full rule of security. Therefore, we have the obligation to firmly confront transnational organized crime that threatens public order, the peace of our societies, and puts democratic institutions at risk. We must demonstrate to the organized mafias the strength of our democracies, founded on the will of the people who want to live together in peace."
As to economic matters, Foreign Minister Mondino highlighted that “it is necessary to stop applying protectionist and interventionist models that have already shown their failure on repeated occasions, and promote with greater impetus the relevant tools that we have in this Organization, such as the Inter-American Business Charter” .
Before closing her statement, she expressed “As every year, Argentina comes to this General Assembly to reaffirm its legitimate sovereign rights over the Malvinas Islands, South Georgias, South Sandwich Islands and the surrounding maritime areas. With the support of the unanimous sentiment of the Argentine people, we are grateful in advance for the permanent support of the countries of the region in the Malvinas Question. This Organization has described the Malvinas Question as being of permanent hemispheric interest.”
The Minister concluded by saying that “Argentina considers that the OAS must return to the principles that gave it life, to avoid becoming a forum in which ideological initiatives prosper instead of building more inclusive and egalitarian societies, promoting instead the omnipresence of the State and the exclusion of models that embrace the ideal of defending life, individual rights and property.” “For us, the defense of life, liberty and property is vital,” she noted, “Our National Constitution enshrines these rights and we believe that the dignity of each person is an end in itself, and not a means to another end. Respect for each person's life project implies taking responsibility for its choice. For this reason, power must be limited by law and respect for the rule of law unrestricted.”
After participating in the afternoon plenary session, Mondino met with her counterpart from the Republic of Paraguay, Rubén Darío Ramírez Lezcano, with whom he discussed the main topics of interest on the bilateral agenda.
Mondino and Ramírez Lezcano highlighted the important progress and commitments made by both countries regarding physical integration and border connectivity projects and agreed that such projects will boost the productive and commercial development of the regions involved. Both foreign ministers also agreed on the importance of the next MERCOSUR Summit in Asunción, and talked about substantive and logistical issues of the event.
The Minister also had a meeting with her counterpart from the Republic of Serbia, Marko Djuric. During the meeting, the foreign ministers reviewed the main topics on the bilateral agenda, addressed issues of multilateral cooperation and exchanged views on global matters. Both officials committed to advancing pending agreements and expanding the bilateral agenda.
Mondino spoke also with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and CARICOM of Trinidad and Tobago, Amery Browne, with whom she discussed ideas to take the relationship to different levels, especially concerning economic ties as well as commercial, cultural and of cooperation.
In addition, Foreign Minister Mondino held a working meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic, Roberto Álvarez Gil, to deepen commercial ties and give renewed impetus to the cooperation between both nations. Although bilateral trade has registered notable growth in recent years, there is great potential to increase the exchange of goods and services, taking into account the complementarity of both economies.
Both Ministers highlighted the opportunities to develop industrial and technological cooperation projects and the benefits of cooperation on health. Finally, they agreed on the importance of promoting negotiations between Mercosur and the Dominican Republic.
