Today, Susana Malcorra stated that Chancellor Angela Merkel's visit on Thursday 8 June "is a sign of trust in what we are doing in Argentina, and that means a lot."
When asked by press after participating in the Argentina-European Union Forum, Malcorra stated that the German leader's visit "is part of a plan put in place since we took office, to achieve integration through different mechanisms." She also added: "This involves aligning Argentina's and Mercosur's priorities, goals and interests with those of the world so as to take advantage of opportunities at a time when the world is changing."
As regards the progress made in the negotiations between Mercosur and the European Union, she stated: "I am quite optimistic, because of the willingness I see on the part of the EU as well as on the part of Mercosur. This is the time to do it. Both sides have flexibility to find solutions to the issues that are still pending, but this is not magic and it will not be achieved overnight."
The Minister underscored that: "Insertion into the world is the only way to respond to society's demands. Argentine people have recently made a huge effort to adapt to a different reality and economy. We have to work together, improve some of the things we do, and respond faster," she said.
"The biggest problem in Argentina's recent past was the belief that decisions are cost-free. Decisions come at a cost, which is always paid by someone: either by the future, because lack of investment means using today’s income at the expense of mortgaging the future, or by society, when prices are high. It is not possible to go from one thing to another overnight. Transition is hard and difficult. In this transition, the President has decided, and we have decided, to invest heavily in areas with a positive social impact, contrary to what many thought. Ordinary Argentine people understand a lot more than we think about how heavy the burden on us was. But getting out of debt is not easy," concluded Malcorra.
Press release No. 217/17
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