"Our relationship with Brazil within MERCOSUR is essential; it is important not only in economic terms, but also from a strategic and political point of view. It is a country with great capacity, and Argentina significantly depends on Brazil. Brazil is our main trade partner, especially as regards manufactured products," Susana Malcorra stated in the context of her State visit with President Mauricio Macri yesterday.
In statements given to La Red and Mitre radio stations, the Foreign Minister assured: "There is great potential between Argentina and Brazil, both in terms of the bilateral relationship and within the framework of MERCOSUR. Brazil was, is and will continue to be a fundamental partner. Our view is that MERCOSUR has great untapped potential for internal development."
"To Argentina, Brazil is a key part of any analysis or positioning. This was discussed by President Macri and President Temer in Brasilia," she stated. Malcorra added: "And the second aspect is the projection of MERCOSUR. There used to be an antinomical view of MERCOSUR and the Pacific Alliance as if there existed a confrontation. We believe this should not be so. Brazil understands that opening up to the world, and doing it together as MERCOSUR, is fundamental; so do Paraguay and Uruguay."
With regard to the new US administration, Malcorra explained: "These changes cause movements in other countries. We must make the most of the opportunities that arise with these changes. For instance, Mexico, which is a privileged partner to the US but is being targeted by the NAFTA review, is choosing to strengthen its ties with the south; to us, that is an opportunity. The same happens with the European Union. For the time being, the EU-United States agreement has fallen through or been postponed, and now their priority is to close an agreement with MERCOSUR."
"Our analyses must be cautious, but we must find opportunities quickly. This administration is profoundly convinced that opening up and smartly inserting Argentina into the world based on our interests is the only way, because we are convinced that being closed did not succeed in bringing development and progress to Argentina and giving opportunities to Argentinians. There are multiple scenarios we are evaluating," she specified.
The Foreign Minister mentioned the next trips on her busy international agenda, including Chile on Sunday, Mexico on Monday, and then Germany: "There will be two events in Germany: the G20 Foreign Ministers' meeting and the Munich security conference. There, I may have a chance to speak to the new US Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson."
Press release No. 027/17
Press Office: 4819-7375 / 8296 / 7388
@CancilleriaARG