Participation of the President of the Argentine Republic in the "Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation", to be held on 14-15 May 2017 in Beijing.
"Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation" (OBOR) is an ambitious connectivity project between continents, not only as regards infrastructure but also in terms of communication and exchanges among peoples. It comprises two routes based on the ancient Silk Road: a land route, called "One Belt" and a sea route, called "One Road". It is a 2013 initiative developed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, which has become China's most important geopolitical and strategic foreign affairs project.
President Macri and Chilean President Bachelet are the only two Heads of State invited to participate in the Forum in representation of our region, on 14-15 May 2017. An additional 27 Heads of State and Government will also participate.
Argentina's participation in the highest level of the OBOR Forum demonstrates our support and interest in the initiative. In the context of the OBOR Forum, the President will address the National and Regional Infrastructure Plans, the latter of which was set forth by UNASUR's South American Council of Infrastructure and Planning (COSIPLAN), based on the Initiative for the Integration of Regional Infrastructure in South America (IIRSA).
Argentina's participation in OBOR is a propitious opportunity not only to strengthen our relationship with the People's Republic of China and with Asia and the Pacific, but also for our country's manufacturing and service sectors and for society as a whole.
State Visit by the President of the Argentine Republic to the People's Republic of China on 16-18 May 2017
The Argentine President will make a State Visit to China on 16-18 May. In this context, he will hold his third bilateral meeting with the Chinese President, Xi Jinping, in Beijing. The plan is to assess the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and offer suggestions to expand it, to foster cooperation on infrastructure, transport and energy, among other areas, and to sign agreements on a variety of issues. The President will also meet with Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang and the Chairman of the Chinese National People's Congress, Zhang Dejiang.
Other events that will take place include the commemoration of the 45th anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations, business activities, the participation of President Macri in the SIAL Exhibition in Shanghai and a work meeting with Shanghai's former mayor.
At the Foreign Ministry level, the Second Meeting of the Binational Standing Committee will be held in Beijing.
It is worth noting that last 19 February 2017 was the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. In these 45 years both countries have maintained a steady relationship, which has experienced increased activity in the last few years.
Since December 2015, the Argentine Republic has underscored that its renewed, dynamic and intelligent international insertion strategy is revitalizing the relationship with its major partners, such as the People's Republic of China, and continues to demonstrate its interest in further strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, established in 2014.
Press release No. 181/17
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