At the Palacio San Martin this morning, Argentine Foreign Minister Susana Malcorra received her German counterpart, Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and his high-profile delegation.
During the joint press conference offered after their private meeting and an extended meeting with their respective delegations, Malcorra stated: "We have to strengthen our ties with Germany, which has traditionally been an important business partner and investor through its companies. The infrastructure plans that Argentina is launching offer new opportunities and create a new space for this." The Argentine Foreign Minister explained that during the meeting with her German counterpart, "all bilateral issues [were addressed], with a view to ensuring the success of the upcoming visit of President Macri to Berlin in July."
"We agreed that some of the trade limitations we had imposed on ourselves and the obstacles to the flow of money into and out of the country had a negative impact on trade with Germany and the rest of the world," explained Malcorra. She then added: "The main and strategic goal of reinserting Argentina into the world, established by President Macri, is our key priority. All the work we are carrying out with Europe in general, and Germany as a privileged partner in particular, defines our working method."
In turn, Steinmeier stated: "We talked about the changes and reform taking place in Argentina and in South America, as well as the experience of Germany with the difficult economic situation it had to overcome. We also agreed that economic reforms require social stability in order to be successful."
"Bilateral relations between Argentina and Germany need not be reinvented. "There is a new impetus, however, as evidenced by the higher frequency of visits on our agendas. My being here with an important delegation and President Macri's visit to Germany next month reflect the high level of mutual interest," added the German Foreign Minister.
During his visit to Argentina, Steinmeier was accompanied by a delegation of German businesspeople, as well as representatives of the university, scientific and cultural fields of his country.
When asked about his view on the region, he stated: "Things are never black or white. Looking at Latin America as a whole, the evolution of some situations is negative, but other cases are positive. With respect to Argentina, I see that the country is a partner that is not only interested in, but also actively contributing towards the goal of concluding these protracted negotiations between the European Union (EU) and Mercosur. Germany is very interested and will offer its support."
Press Release No. 169/16
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