Spain And Argentina Agree To Further Develop Strategic Partnership

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After meeting with the President of the Republic of Argentina, Mauricio Macri, the Prime Minister of Spain, Mariano Rajoy, said that relations between the two countries “have regained their traditional strength” following the State visit by the Argentine leader. He also committed to making “every effort” to ensure an agreement is reached between the European Union and MERCOSUR.

At the joint press conference with Mariano Rajoy and Mauricio Macri after their meeting at Moncloa Palace, the Spanish Prime Minister underlined the historic ties that exist between the two nations. Mariano Rajoy recalled that almost 500,000 Spaniards now live in Argentina (many of them in Buenos Aires) and that, similarly, “many Argentineans have come to Spain”, which has contributed to the progress by both countries.

Rajoy said that, with the State visit by Mauricio Macri to Spain, bilateral relations can be described as “wonderful” as they “regain their traditional strength following a few difficult years”. The President of Argentina met with senior Spanish officials and gave a formal address to Parliament.

The meeting at Moncloa Palace lead to the signing of an Action Plan to Enhance the Strategic Partnership between Spain and Argentina. From the content of this document, Mariano Rajoy highlighted a series of institutional partnership mechanisms at international forums. “On this and every other issue, Argentina and Spain can work together in the best interests of both parties”, he said.

This added boost for the Strategic Partnership, which was agreed in 2005, seeks “strengthened dialogue” on such issues as human rights, services for the respective emigrant communities and consular relations, multi-lateral and bi-regional coordination, economic and trade cooperation (including science, technology and innovation), sector cooperation and Antarctic cooperation.

The two leaders signed a joint declaration, which is joined by a dozen or so bilateral agreements in such fields as talent mobility, the recognition of qualifications and certificates, cultural cooperation and cyber-security.

Rajoy explained that, at his meeting with the President of Argentina, they discussed the respective internal political situations in Spain and Argentina.

Rajoy referred to the “ambitious reformist policy” that Mauricio Macri is currently implementing, which includes such decisions as one to eliminate export duties and update tariffs. Forecasts on the Argentine economy for this year “are much better”, said Mariano Rajoy, who underlined the benefits of that policy for investments and for the Spanish companies “that have always maintained a commitment” to the country.

Mariano Rajoy said that the Government of Spain also had to undertake structural reforms and reduce the public deficit. “At the beginning, there might have been people who did not understand it. However, history always shows – in very little time in the case of Spain – that when things are taken seriously and when what needs to be done is actually done, the results eventually work in favour of the general public”.

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