Foreign Minister Malcorra received her Danish counterpart Kristian Lensen

Foreign Minister Susana Malcorra received her Danish counterpart, Kristian Jensen, today at the Palacio San Martín for a bilateral meeting followed by an extended meeting with government officials from both countries.

“We discussed cultural, economic and transactional complementarity, as well as issues of interest to both parties,” Malcorra informed after the meeting in a joint press conference. She underscored the fact that both countries “have a lot to build on beyond what we have done thus far.”

“Argentina, Mercosur and Latin America in general have a wealth of goods that are exactly what part of the world needs, so it is key to find ways of complementing each other in order to achieve development goals and find better work opportunities, but doing so in a way that satisfies global needs,” the Argentine Foreign Minister stated. “We have placed special emphasis on matters relating to trade and investment opportunities. We have discussed the European Union and Mercosur. We have discussed science and technology, in addition to energies. I think we have shaped a work agenda to keep making progress,” Minister Malcorra explained.

Foreign Minister Kristian Jensen said: “I believe that Argentina has initiated a reform and change process that looks very interesting from a European and Danish perspective. I think, based on our conversations with Minister Malcorra, that Denmark and Argentina have a lot to offer each other. This is the beginning of a strong partnership.”

“Danish companies with a presence in Argentina are very encouraged by the reforms undertaken by the Argentine Government over the past few months with a view to opening the economy, and they are all interested in expanding their business and operations here. They seek to invest and create work in Argentina,” he stated.

Also, Mr. Jensen underscored President Macri’s interest in the development of environmental technology, a field in which Denmark has a solid reputation. He added that he will work together with the Argentine Government at both a political and a commercial level, as well as to advance the European Union-Mercosur Free Trade Agreement, in which Argentina plays a key role.

MERCOSUR – EU:

Foreign Minister Malcorra also stated that Uruguay is leading negotiations with the European Union. “Both parties will review their initial offers, and we will have another discussion in order to make progress.” “What is essential for the dialogue, for negotiations between the European Union and Mercosur, is the political impetus: this is an opportunity for both parties; this is a matter of enhancing global trade.”

Jensen added: “We are at the initial stage of negotiations. I would say there will be new rounds where the parties will come progressively closer to each other through new offers; hopefully we will succeed soon. Denmark is a very small country, with a population of 5 million people, and it could fit about 100 times into Argentina. Our world view has to do with trade. We engage in trade with everybody and the more we do so, the more jobs we create.”

HANDOVER OF THE PRO TEMPORE PRESIDENCY OF MERCOSUR:

Malcorra stated: “We firmly believe in MERCOSUR. We haven’t been pressured by anyone. We have been working hard for the prompt resolution of the situation regarding the handover of MERCOSUR’S [pro tempore presidency]. Our technical teams are dedicated to this issue and I am too. I assure you that intense work is being done to solve this matter. We have to strengthen MERCOSUR, overcome this impasse and make progress not only in the negotiations with the EU, but also in working for a stronger and more robust MERCOSUR that integrates our economies, which is the best way to reach out to the rest of the world.”

“The MERCOSUR framework establishes the need for compliance, but it does not precisely determine how to handle noncompliance. This is what we have to work on, based on consensus: whether to extend the term for compliance, or consider it unfulfilled, or extend it under certain conditions. Alternatives must be discussed by members and agreed upon. National coordinators have decided to take from 12 to 23 August to submit alternatives to the Foreign Ministers. All of this must be done on the understanding that we want to strengthen MERCOSUR. This is why we need to unify positions,” she concluded.

Press release No. 267/16.
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