Deputy Foreign Minister Pedro Villagra Delgado and his French counterpart, Christian Masset, signed the “Declaration of Intent between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development of the French Republic and the Argentine Foreign Ministry on the Exchange of Diplomatic Archives pertaining to serious Human Rights violations,” thus initiating a process that will contribute to the Right to the Truth and the justice process carried out in our country.
This agreement was signed within the framework of the political Consultations held between the Argentine and French Foreign Ministries, during which the delegations analyzed issues related to the bilateral relations, as well as key multilateral issues of interest to both countries.
As regards bilateral relations, the implementation of several projects for scientific, university and decentralized cooperation between Argentina and France was reviewed. The French Republic is Argentina’s main partner in bilateral cooperation affairs. This close relationship materializes in concrete actions for the scientific, economic and cultural progress of both countries.
The authorities also checked up on economic and commercial affairs, based on the Economic and Commercial Roadmap signed in May 2016 by the Foreign Ministers of both countries. During the political consultations, both sides reiterated the importance of cementing the bilateral relations in these affairs.
Furthermore, they reaffirmed their willingness to continue working in a coordinated fashion in the field of Human Rights, on affairs in which Argentina and France have historically coincided.
It was also a good opportunity to confirm that the quota of beneficiaries of the Working Holiday Program, which helps hundreds of Argentine and French youngsters with a simplified visa system, will be increased.
As regards multilateral affairs, among some of the topics addressed were Argentina recently joining the International Organization of La Francophonie in November 2016, Argentina’s application for the OECD, the upcoming WTO Ministerial Conference to take place in Buenos Aires, and cooperation within the framework of the G20, regard being had to Argentina's Presidency of this group in 2018.
Deputy Foreign Minister Villagra Delgado later held a working lunch during which several regional affairs were discussed, including the negotiations between the European Union and Mercosur, the closer contacts with the Pacific Alliance, and the situation in the Middle East.
The Deputy Foreign Ministers expressed their governments' willingness to continue working and strengthening joint actions in this relation regarded as privileged.
Press release No. 110/17
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