Talking points between Argentina and the United States.

Talking points between Argentina and the United States.

Argentina - Floridas News originally published at Argentina - Floridas News

Thursday, 24 March 2016
Information for the Press N°: 
082/16

President Mauricio Macri and First Lady Juliana Awada received President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama between 23 and 24 March.

The Argentine Republic and the United States of America maintain bilateral relations built on common values, principles and interests. This visit to Argentina in the year of the Bicentenary of the Independence of the Argentine Republic certainly was an important milestone in the strengthening of those relations and will enable both nations to jointly and positively address the main bilateral, multilateral and global challenges.

High-Level Political Dialogue

The parties agreed on the convenience of increasing high-level political dialogue about bilateral, regional and multilateral political and economic matters of interest to both parties. This new form of interaction will be part of the agenda between Foreign Minister Susana Malcorra and Secretary of State John Kerry.

Science, Technology and Innovation

Both Presidents agreed on the importance and positive impact of science, technology and innovation in order to generate more sustainable and comprehensive development for all countries in the world. In this regard, meetings relating to Science and Technology will be held this year. Furthermore, a Cooperation Agreement has been signed between the Argentine National Institute of Industrial Technology (INTI) and the United States National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) on areas such as chemical, physical and engineering measurement.
With a view to continuing with the traditional and highly fruitful relations between the Argentine National Commission on Space Activities (CONAE) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), both agencies, together with the respective Foreign Ministries, will hold meetings to set a schedule of activities, which could include a study on sea salinity.

Human Rights

President Macri’s administration has requested and obtained a commitment to declassify a significant number of documents prepared by the US Government in relation to Argentina during the period between 1 January 1975 and 31 December 1983.
Argentina greatly appreciates that offer as it will make it possible to obtain information to shed light on the fate of the victims of the last military dictatorship, which may be useful for the pending court proceedings.
Argentina has decided to join the Freedom Online Coalition, an intergovernmental forum that meets on an annual basis to promote fundamental freedoms online. Moreover, it has joined the Global Equality Fund which protects and promotes the rights of LGBTI people worldwide. In view of Argentina’s leadership as regards legislation and public policies on the fight against discrimination based on sexual orientation, our country will offer technical and legal training to different countries through the Argentine National Institute against Discrimination, Xenophobia and Racism (INADI). In addition, Argentina will participate in the Donors Conference to be held from 13 to 15 July in Montevideo. Finally, in this regard, Argentina expressed its intention to support the creation of a rapporteur on the human rights of LGBTI people within the framework of the UN Human Rights Council.
On a different note, adhesion to the “Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights” initiative has been viewed positively by Argentina. Participants undertake to comply with a series of guidelines relating to security and human rights in extractive industries. Argentina will participate in the Conference on this issue to be held in Bogota in April.

Syrian Refugees

From the outset of the conflict in Syria, Argentina has provided humanitarian aid in the field and created the “Syria Programme” to facilitate the issuance of visas for the entry of conflict victims into Argentina. As this conflict has triggered a wave of refugees and displaced persons, Argentina has decided to broaden the scope of the Syria Programme by providing more humanitarian aid in the field and receiving Syrian refugees. In that respect, White Helmets volunteers who are experts in camp administration, food distribution, logistics, and emergency medical and healthcare assistance will be deployed. Argentina is also preparing a comprehensive proposal to offer final relocation for Syrian nationals, based on the specific opportunities in different regions of the country. For this, Argentina will need cooperation from the international community by way of financial and logistical resources. Both countries have undertaken to work in a coordinated fashion to carry out that plan as soon as possible.

Community of Democracies

Argentina undertook to participate actively in that organization, of which it has been a member ever since its early stages. In this respect, it will soon join its Governing Council and appoint a representative to such Community.

Alliance for Open Government

Argentina has expressed its intention to collaborate on the development of an open government agenda at all levels, based on work on public innovation, open government and proactive publication of management data with a view to making the activities of the State more transparent, thereby adding value.

Security: Drug Trafficking and Terrorism

The fight against drug trafficking is recognized as a priority by both countries. Argentina deems that this scourge must be dealt with at a global, regional and bilateral level. In this regard, our countries will strengthen joint collaboration within the framework of the specialized agencies of the United Nations and Organization of American States.
The United States are a very important partner for Argentina in the fight against drug trafficking. In that respect, both presidents have agreed to exchange information on this matter and to provide training and education to our security forces. An example of this bilateral cooperation is the creation of a Centre for Compilation of Intelligence through which the information from the various security agencies of both countries will be gathered with a view to it being shared among the different security forces of both countries so as to increase efficiency in the fight against organized crime. Likewise, the assistance to be provided by the United States to Argentina in order to improve border security is very important.

Furthermore, in relation to the common goal to reduce the demand for drugs, the United States will share its experience and training in detoxification treatments and drug addiction prevention.

Our countries agree that terrorism represents one of the main threats in today’s world and, in that respect, both countries share their concern for security at the Triple Border. Moreover, Argentina recalled the bombings of the Embassy of Israel on 17 March 1992 and of AMIA on 18 July 1994. Argentina underscored the importance of international forums as spaces for cooperation on the prevention of and fight against terrorism. To that end, both countries agreed to share information and good practices on the issue. In addition, an Agreement was signed between the Argentine Ministry of Security and the United States Department of Homeland Security which provides for an increase in cooperation with a view to preventing and fighting against serious crimes. In order to improve security on flights, Argentina will cooperate with the US Department of Homeland Security.

Furthermore, both countries have decided to cooperate in order to counter money laundering. For such purpose, a Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between the Financial Information Unit (UIF) of the Argentine Republic and the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FINCEN) of the United States on Cooperation in the Exchange of Information on Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing.

Visas

With a view to consolidating and strengthening tourism, trade and investments between both countries, the United States have expressed their intention to eliminate consular interviews with Argentine citizens below the age of 16 and above the age of 65 who apply for visas. Argentina undertook to eliminate the reciprocity fee that the holders of US passports pay in order to travel to Argentina as tourists. For its part, the United States will commence a process aimed at possibly deciding to reincorporate Argentina into the Visa Waiver Programme in the future.

Peacekeeping Operations

As regards peacekeeping, Argentina has undertaken to significantly increase its participation in UN missions. To that end, it will develop a plan, with the support of the United States and the United Nations, to strengthen and provide equipment for certain capacities having special priority for such missions, such as logistics, engineer corps, humanitarian demining, communications and healthcare services, which may be deployed in Africa during 2017.

The United States have undertaken to support this process, especially as regards the training of personnel and the provision of equipment.

Peace Process in Colombia

Both countries support negotiations for a peace agreement that will bring an end to the long-running conflict in Colombia. Argentina undertook to participate in and provide direct support to the UN political mission of unarmed international observers in Colombia, after the Agreement reached between the Government and FARC rebels. Based on the Resolution of the UN Security Council, Argentina’s contribution will be in collaboration which Chile, within the framework of the “Cruz del Sur” combined joint peace-keeping force. The Government of the United States agreed to support this process by providing training and equipment.
With respect to collaboration with the peace process, Argentina will offer cooperation in areas such as demining, irrigation, agricultural technologies and soil recovery, as well as the implementation of a genetic profiles database on missing persons and police training.

Nuclear Security Summit

Both Presidents recognized the importance of working for a world that is safer and more stable in nuclear matters. President Macri congratulated President Obama for launching the Nuclear Security Summit initiative, expressing his deep interest in participating in the next meeting to be held in March in Washington DC.
The US recognized Argentina’s historical constructive and peaceful position in this field, as well as the country’s leadership in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
Argentina and the United States have agreed to continue working, collaborating and cooperating in these matters, both at the bilateral and all multilateral levels.

OAS

The two countries issued a Joint Declaration renewing their support for the Organization of American States and the Inter-American Human Rights System, while highlighting the importance of the Inter-American Democratic Charter as the legal framework that Member States should respect in order to promote prosperity and respect for human rights in the region.

Cooperation in the field of Health

Based on Argentina’s strong commitment to fighting and preventing infectious diseases, our country has undertaken to join the Global Health Security Agenda, in order to strengthen its own healthcare system and contribute to improving global health. In addition, within the framework of the current commitment of the Argentine Government to transparency -in this case, in the field of health-, Argentina and the United States agreed to be examined on their capabilities to respond to public health threats, within the framework of the Initiative known as Joint External Assessment. Moreover, the leaders agreed to partner up in order to enhance the regional and world response to the zika virus. The US and Argentina will share information and material in order to improve monitoring of the disease and advance in the control of its vector, its treatment and the vaccines available to fight the virus.

Defence

The two Presidents agreed on the need to strengthen relations in the field of defence by resorting to all existing methods, including the Bilateral Defence Working Group, which held its last meeting in 2009 and will resume activities in May this year. The agenda of this mechanism will include the following issues, among others: peacekeeping operations, disaster preparedness and response measures, and cooperation for hemispheric defence.

Education

As part of the ambitious programme for educational exchanges with Latin America launched by President Barack Obama, 100,000 Strong in The Americas, the two Presidents agreed on the need to enhance exchanges between Argentina and the United States. In this respect, Argentina will increase the number of scholarship holders to 1000, out of which 350 will be granted undergraduate scholarships and 50 will receive postgraduate scholarships. In addition, 100 will receive research scholarships and 500 positions will be allotted exclusively to teaching exchanges.

Economic Agreements

Argentina and the United States reaffirmed the importance of working together in order to promote bilateral economic and business relationships, as well as to facilitate supplementary actions between the public and private sectors. A series of agreements were reached in order to strengthen cooperation in the economic, business and energy fields, as well as to promote investments. A Trade and Investment Framework Agreement and a Memorandum on the Trade Dialogue process were entered into, and another Memorandum for the promotion of the business development of SMEs. In addition, cooperation in the field of energy development will continue, in order to expand the areas of joint work. A set of permanent dialogue mechanisms was established in order to bring together authorities from both countries, with a view to assessing joint initiatives and actions.

Argentina also welcomed the collaboration offered by the US Department of the Treasury to work closely in areas of mutual interest, both at the bilateral and the multilateral levels, in fora such as the G-20 and international financial institutions, with a view to supporting the efforts of the Argentine Government to achieve strong and sustainable inclusive growth.

Trade and Investment Framework Agreement

The Argentine Foreign Minister and the US Ambassador to Argentina entered into a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement, with a view to expanding bilateral trade and investments. This agreement is aimed at strengthening economic relationships between the two countries. It will enter into force immediately and will play an important role in deepening friendship and cooperation ties between the countries. A Council will be established, including the Office of the US Trade Representative and the Argentine Foreign and Production Ministries. Its principal goals will be the following:
– monitoring trade and investment relationships, identifying opportunities for trade and investment expansion, as well as identifying the issues that are relevant to negotiations in the appropriate fora;
– dealing with specific trade and investment affairs that are of interest to the two countries;
– identifying and working towards the elimination of barriers to trade and investment between the two countries;
– requesting advice from the private sector and civil society, where appropriate, with respect to matters related to the work of the Council.

Trade Dialogue

The Argentine Ministry of Production and the US Department of Commerce, jointly with the Argentine Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Department of State and other agencies of the two countries, will engage in regular dialogue in order to work on the following areas:
– Promotion of trade and investment as a means of economic growth;
– Improvement of competitiveness through innovation and entrepreneurship;
– Exchange of best practices, promotion of knowledge sharing, and assistance in key areas; and
– Support for a favourable environment for the fast and safe circulation of goods and supply of services.

SMEs

– The Argentine Ministry of Production and the US Small Business Administration will strengthen cooperation and collaboration in order to promote the development of SMEs, with a special focus on the business promotion of women and other relevant programmes and initiatives. These initiatives include facilitating the creation of an integrated national network of business development centres in Argentina, in collaboration with US Small Business Development Centres, aimed at providing information, tools and advice.
– The two countries will take measures to support female entrepreneurs, specially through the initiative “Women’s Entrepreneurship in the Americas.” The US Small Business Administration will lead a delegation to Argentina in April, in order to sign a memorandum with the Ministry of Production.

Market Access

Argentina expressed its satisfaction with the progress made in terms of access by Argentine products to the US market, particularly fresh beef. Argentina expects that US authorities will soon finalize the rules for the full opening of the US market to Argentine lemon exports, given that the relevant technical control requirements have already been successfully met. Concrete progress is also expected to be made in connection with the opening of the US market to sweet citrus fruit, another national product with good prospects in the United States.

Biofuels

Argentina values the recognition given to Argentine biofuel production and exports, and will continue to promote possibilities for the continued supply of the US market. In this respect, it is expected that this market will remain open to Argentine production, which has become a significant contribution thanks to its international quality and competitiveness.

Customs Cooperation

Argentina and the US have decided to promote cooperation in the field of customs and, in this respect, the relevant authorities of the two countries will exchange experiences on the best practices for the development of “one-stop shop” systems for international trade.

Cooperation in the field of competition defence

Argentina and the United States will soon initiate a cooperation programme whereby the US Federal Trade Commission and the US Department of Justice will provide technical assistance to the Argentine Commission for the Defence of Competition within the scope of their duties.

Investment Cooperation
Argentina and the United States will have an exchange on best practices to attract investment and create jobs, taking into account the experience in the “Select USA” system.

Technical assistance in the field of economic statistics

The Argentine Institute of Statistics and Censuses (INDEC) and the US Department of Commerce have agreed to develop a technical assistance programme whereby the Bureau of Economic Analysis and the Census Bureau will provide and share their experience within the scope of a number of best practices in the field of economic statistics.

AmCham Argentina Summit 2016: “Growth for the Future. The Argentinean Investment Opportunity”
Argentina is proud to have hosted the “AmCham Argentina Summit 2016: Growth for the Future. The Argentinean Investment Opportunity,” with the distinguished presence of speakers from the governmental sector, representatives of the business communities of both countries, and social leaders. The purpose of the event was to boost trade and investment and economic development opportunities in Argentina.

OECD
Argentina has expressed interest in strengthening its commitment to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and stated that its purpose is to play an active, constructive role in the relevant OECD Committees, adhering—to the extent possible—to relevant instruments. Argentina values and is grateful for the support provided by the United States within this organization.
Argentina expects to play a leadership role within the framework of the new OECD regional programme for Latin America and the Caribbean, which is set to be launched in June 2016, on the occasion of the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting.

Argentina and the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement

Argentina will soon introduce to Congress the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) and will carry out all actions required to ratify the TFA shortly, on the understanding that it is one of the greatest achievements of the WTO in recent years and provides for an enhancement of customs and administrative procedures, among other issues.

G-20

Argentina and the United States underscored the importance of the G-20 as the main forum for international economic and financial coordination, with growing influence in matters of a political nature. The United States expressed their intent to work together on matters of common interest.

Climate Change and Energy

Implementation of the Paris Agreement and revision of the Intended Nationally Determined Contribution

Argentina and the United States have made a commitment to sign and adhere to the Paris Agreement as soon as possible, and they will work together to support the efforts aimed at swift entry into force of the Agreement. Argentina has also announced plans to boost its climate-related ambition and revise its Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC); both governments will share their experience to support this effort.

Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) phase-down

Argentina and the United States reaffirm their commitment to adopt an amendment to the Montreal Protocol for an HFC phase-down in 2016, based on the progress achieved and within the framework laid out in the “Dubai Pathway.”

Both countries also welcome the mutual understanding reached in Dubai, including the financial support for the Multilateral Fund for developing countries, for the purpose of making an amendment for a phase-down of HFCs. Both countries will work together to propose solutions to high-priority challenges in the management of HFCs.

Reduction of international aviation emissions

Argentina and the United States will cooperate with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to reduce international aviation emissions. As members of the ICAO Council and of the technical ICAO Environmental Committee, Argentina and the United States will work together to reach a decision in order to adopt market-based measures this year, in accordance with the latest ICAO Assembly Resolution in this regard.

Cooperation in the fields of Climate and Energy in the G-20

Argentina and the United States will discuss energy and climate change issues at G-20 meetings this year, including energy efficiency efforts and the elimination of inefficient fossil fuel subsidies that promote expensive consumption.

Cooperation for a reform of the energy sector and in the field of renewable energies

Argentina and the United States are committed to increasing the use of renewable energies and energy efficiency. As part of this effort, both countries will cooperate to enhance the use of renewable energies, through assistance provided by the United States for the market reform, for system optimization and for integration of renewable energies into the electricity network, among other actions. In May, the Department of Commerce will receive a visit from Argentine executives in California to explore the possibility of generating business partnerships in the field of renewable energies. Both countries will work through the Binational Energy Working Group (BEWG), and using the Power Sector Program of the Department of State.

Safe and Responsible Development of unconventional oil and gas

Argentina and the United States have a wealth of unconventional energy resources. In order to mitigate the use of carbon-intensive energy sources, such as fuel oil and coal, and to improve energy safety and economic growth, both countries will foster safe, responsible development of unconventional oil and gas through the exchange of good practices, including enhancement of environmental results by means of the Unconventional Gas Technical Engagement Program and the Binational Energy Working Group (BEWG). Argentine government officials will visit unconventional development sites in the United States.

Clean Energy Leadership
Argentina and the United States reaffirm the value of speeding up the deployment of renewable energies and energy efficiency technologies. Argentina will attend the next Clean Energy Ministerial Conference as an official observer. Argentina can also work with the United States and other partners to improve on energy efficiency policies and to access the Clean Energy Solutions Center of the Clean Energy Ministerial Conference, which offers interested countries support by experts in energy policies that increase the use of clean technologies.

Civil Nuclear Cooperation
Argentina and the United States reiterate their commitment to use nuclear energy—a low-carbon source of energy—with the highest standards in the fields of protection, safety and non-proliferation. Pursuant to their Agreement for Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy and the Permanent Joint Committee on Nuclear Energy Cooperation, both countries seek to strengthen their cooperation in the fields of nuclear research, development, and safety.

Cooperation in the field of hydrometeorology
Argentina and the United States will strengthen their coordination in the fields of meteorology, hydrology, and climate data, for the purpose of enhancing resilience to climate change. These efforts will include, for instance, cooperation with the “GEO Global Water Sustainability” programme through efforts such as those underscored in the common framework for Earth-observation data, launched by the United States.

Ocean protection and preservation
Argentina and the United States share a profound concern for marine preservation. Argentina will attend the Third “Our Oceans” Conference, which will be hosted by Secretary Kerry this year in Washington, subject to participation conditions that will be determined at a later time. Both countries will continue to collaborate in the field of marine sciences, research and preservation, through cooperation between the NOAA and its Argentine counterparts for the purpose of studying the South Atlantic, and between NASA and CONAE, among other actions.

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Originally published at https://www.cancilleria.gob.ar/en/news/releases/talking-points-between-argentina-and-united-states

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Argentina - Floridas News originally published at Argentina - Floridas News