Foreign minister Malcorra met with us counterpart John Kerry in Washington.

Foreign Minister Susana Malcorra held a meeting in Washington with her US counterpart, Secretary of State John Kerry, within the framework of the preparatory meetings for the Nuclear Security Summit.

During a press conference held at the Argentine Embassy, Malcorra stated: “The Summit starts tomorrow and President Macri will be there. I decided to arrive before his visit. We have held a very positive bilateral meeting with Mr. Kerry today. In addition, we will hold a series of bilateral meetings with the foreign ministers of different countries. These days have been quite intense, since we have been preparing to participate in the Nuclear Security Summit, which is highly important in view of the complex reality of our world. It is essential that we guarantee the control and systematic follow-up of nuclear issues.”

“Argentina has long been using nuclear energy for peaceful purposes – not only to generate energy, but also in connection with health and research-related issues. We have worked a lot through the National Atomic Energy Commission (CONEA) and INVAP. This is evidenced by the existence of a nuclear energy sector with high added value. I believe that this is an example of what the region can accomplish”, explained Malcorra, adding that: “Latin America is a peaceful region that is free of conflict. It is essential and a contribution to the world to be capable of demonstrating that the region can use atomic energy -which has been used for military purposes- to serve people and to continue placing itself at a different and more competitive level.”

With respect to the agenda of President Macri, the Foreign Minister informed the following: “He will have a very active and significant participation in the summit. Activities will start with a dinner that President Obama will hold tomorrow for Heads of State and Government. Argentina has attached great importance to nuclear energy throughout its history. It can be said that this has been a matter of State policy for the country. That is why Argentina’s position is highly respected.”

The Argentine Foreign Minister further noted: “A meeting will be held on Friday between President Macri and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Junping. This will be a very important meeting for us. Macri will visit China for the G20 Summit, which is highly significant for us, but having the two leaders meet beforehand is very important. China is a powerful partner that has significant market power and investment and trade capacity, which makes it a strategic partner with which we want to establish mature relations.”