The Bubble | 23 March 2016

Argentina and the United States sign agreements on trade, security and anti-drug trafficking

By Hattie Webb

Ahead of this morning’s meeting between Argentine President Mauricio Macri and US President Barack Obama, representatives from the two countries signed bilateral agreements on trade, security and the fight against drug-trafficking.

Argentine Foreign Minister Susana Malcorra, Security Minister Patricia Bullrich and Interior Minister Rogelio Frigerio signed the cooperation agreements with their North American counterparts in the Gold Room of the San Martin Palace this morning.

The catchy names for the new agreements are as follows:

– Agreement between the Security Ministry of the Argentine Republic and the National Department of Justice and Security of the United States of America on the Increased Cooperation to Prevent and Combat Serious Crimes

– Joint Declaration of Cooperation Regarding Security and Facilitating the Movement between the Security Ministry and the Ministry of the Interior, Public Works and Housing of the Argentine Republic and the National Department of Justice and Security of the United States of America

– Agreement between the Argentine Republic and the United States of America regarding the Placement of Air Police

– Framework Agreement Regarding Commerce and Investment between the Government of the Argentine Republic and the Government of the United States of America

“These agreements represent a new way of working together and show an important change in our relations” affirmed the Foreign Minister. Additionally, Malcorra said that the dialogue between the two countries had yielded “concrete results.”

President Obama’s arrival today marks the first official state visit by a US Head of State since Bill Clinton in October 1997. In recent years, relations between the two countries have been strained; today’s visit marks a historic moment in improving bonds.

Obama touched down at Ezeiza Airport shortly after 01.00am this morning and is due to meet President Macri shortly in the Casa Rosada. Following the private meeting between the two, it is hoped that bilateral agreements will be signed on security, infrastructure, energy, science and technology, and trade.