Argentina and the United States celebrate 200 years of diplomatic relations

U.S. officials emphasized Argentina’s commitment to democracy and hailed the national football team as “champions”

Foreign Minister Santiago Cafiero and United States Ambassador Marc Stanley celebrated today the 200th anniversary of bilateral relations between Argentina and the US in the Palacio San Martín in Buenos Aires.

As part of the celebrations, Cafiero and Stanley placed a wreath on José de San Martín’s bust and then kept a protocol meeting. The formal relationship between Argentina and the US began on January 27, 1823, when the North American country officially recognized the United Provinces of the Río de la Plata. 

Cafiero spoke about the link between the two countries, emphasizing the value of dialog on democratic consolidation, human rights promotion and defense, health protection, climate change, nuclear energy, and the fight against terrorism and the drug trade. He also mentioned that the partnership should contribute to global food and energy security.

The Minister also highlighted that the US is a “fundamental investment and trade partner” for Argentina, and hoped that Argentina can become “a strategic partner” of the North American country through its “resources and production capabilities.” The US is Argentina’s first investor and third trade partner, according to government data.

In the same vein, Stanley said that “Argentina and the US have a great opportunity to help feeding and supplying fuel to the world”. He added that his country is willing to strengthen “trade, tourism and interpersonal links between our two countries in the future.” Stanley also mentioned that it was “exciting to launch our year-long celebration of this milestone.”

The U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken also released a statement greeting Argentina “with admiration” for the country’s “political, economic, and cultural contributions to the world.” He added that both countries’ “shared commitment to democracy, the rule of law, labor rights, and human rights have helped our two nations overcome the many domestic, regional, and global challenges that we have confronted.”

U.S. Senator Tim Klaine wrote that “Argentina is further admired for its leadership in promoting human rights and the dignity of all people, including of LGBTQI+ persons.” He highlighted Argentina and the US’s common interests in maintaining a strong middle class and the importance of unions and labor rights.

Klaine also congratulated Argentina on its three World Cup victories, calling the team “champions” and saying they had inspired “generations of athletes”.

The country’s Foreign Ministry and the U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires are planning a series of commemorative events for the bicentenary, which will take place in the following months.

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