Argentina (Washington Insider Magazine)— On Friday in Washington, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Argentine Foreign Minister Diana Mondino signed a memorandum to reestablish high-level strategic dialogue between their governments. The agreement includes regular meetings on crucial issues, considered a significant step to boost bilateral relations.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
According to Noticias, Blinken underscored the two countries’ strong relationship at the State Department event, stressing cooperation in democracy, human rights, economic growth, technological development, culture, and education. Blinken shed lights on the recent bolstering of bilateral, regional, and global cooperation, mentioning his February meeting with Argentine President Javier Milei in Buenos Aires.
Commitment to Bilateral Cooperation
Foreign Minister Mondino affirmed Argentina’s willingness to collaborate with the United States and other countries, while acknowledging the need for internal reforms. She stressed Argentina’s desire to join the Association of the Americas for Economic Prosperity and adapt to the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act. Mondino also emphasized the importance of freedom and democracy and expressed Argentina’s support for global food security and energy transition initiatives.
Attendance of Key Officials
The signing ceremony was attended by Nicolás Posse, head of the Argentine Cabinet of Ministers, and Gerardo Werthein, Argentine ambassador to the United States, among other officials. The memorandum symbolizes Argentina’s alignment with U.S. foreign policy, a stance reinforced by President Milei’s admiration for former President Donald Trump.
Joking Remarks and Subsequent Meetings
In a light-hearted moment, Blinken joked about the trust between the two countries, saying, “We trust ourselves so much that we don’t even read what we are signing.” Following the memorandum signing, Mondino, Posse, and Werthein met with U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Undersecretary for International Affairs Jay Shambaugh. Yellen emphasized the importance of sustainable economic recovery in Argentina, while Shambaugh praised Argentina’s progress in reducing inflation and addressing fiscal adjustment impacts on vulnerable populations.
Discussions with National Security Advisor
On Thursday, Mondino also met with White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan to discuss defense cooperation, the Gaza conflict, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and the situation in Venezuela. The discussions underscore the broad range of issues addressed in the renewed strategic dialogue between the United States and Argentina.
