Boletín informativo del Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores, Comercio Internacional y Culto de la República Argentina

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July 20, 2021 SUMMIT OF G20 Solá: “We have the opportunity to create a better economy with less inequality” ARGENTINA - UNITED STATES Bilateral Meeting of Foreign Minister Solá and Secretary of State Antony Blinken Solá at G20 Summit: “We have the opportunity to create a better economy with less inequality”

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“Today, more than ever, we must strengthen organizations at Palazzo Lanfranchi, the Minister international cooperation and solidarity to achieve highlighted the importance of “preparedness for inclusive and sustainable post-COVID-19 recovery,” and response to health emergencies, based on Foreign Minister Felipe Solá stated during the G20 international solidarity and cooperation” in order to Foreign Affairs and Development Ministerial “prevent future epidemics from becoming new Meeting, held on 29 June in Matera, Italy, one of the global catastrophes.” objectives of which was to discuss ways to strengthen “multilateralism and global governance” “We need a common global growth plan that allows in view of the urgent problems facing the for coordinated fiscal and monetary interventions in international community. order to avoid unequal and unbalanced recovery and that guarantees a more equal future,” Solá Solá referred to the serious social and economic stated during his first address, adding that “we have effects of the pandemic, and advocated “redoubling the opportunity to create a better economy that efforts to guarantee global mass vaccination and produces less carbon, creates less inequality, and promote voluntary licensing agreements that provides digital access and access to new enable the necessary transfer of knowledge and technologies for all. The G20 must work towards technology to produce vaccines on all continents.” that end through specific and shared political He also called on States to mobilize “necessary actions.” financial resources to develop and strengthen critical health infrastructure, especially in During the Summit’s second session, which developing countries.” addressed the health and socioeconomic consequences of the pandemic in Africa, Solá Addressing his counterparts of the G20 nations stressed that “the COVID-19 pandemic has revealed and representatives of international and regional the weaknesses of the international system and the persistence of selfish nationalism,” and for that reason “it is necessary to review the There are over forty projects underway in Latin financial and trade conditions that contribute to its America, the Caribbean, Africa and Asia, in such development,” because “debt reduction initiatives varied fields as post-harvest management, genetics, are still inadequate and not ambitious enough.” biotechnology, quality certification, organic agriculture and rural development,” Solá listed. He also insisted “on the need to decidedly move forward with the agricultural reform process,” “We are important suppliers of healthy, nutritious because “from a trade standpoint, developing and quality food. Our agricultural exports increased counties face distortions in production and trade, during the most uncertain months of the COVID-19 particularly regarding agricultural trade.” pandemic,” the Minister stated after calling for “a rules-based multilateral trade system that is “There is no development or production model that predictable, and the normal operation of global applies to all countries equally. Countries with value chains.” greater responsibility for environmental degradation should provide the economic and technological “Free, open and undistorted agricultural trade is tools to allow developing countries to make their essential to achieve global food security, promote production more sustainable” the Foreign Minister investments and increase food production, stated, adding that “the transition to more particularly in developing countries,” he added. sustainable production models must be gradual and respectful of the methods and times of each In addition to the Ministerial Summit, Foreign country, based on their productive, economic and Minister Solá, joined by the Chief of the Private social situation.” Office of the Foreign Ministry, Guillermo Justo Chaves, held a busy schedule of bilateral meetings The Italian G20 Presidency proposed including this that included meetings with the U.S. Secretary of year a joint Meeting of the Foreign Affairs and State, Antony Blinken, and the German Foreign Development Ministers, which was held in the Minister, Heiko Maas. He also met with his afternoon, and was intended to discuss specific counterparts of Turkey, Mevlüt Cavusoglu; and actions to deal with the emerging food crises and Saudi Arabia, Faisal Bin Farhan Al Saud; as well as achieve the Zero Hunger goal by 2030. the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, D. Josep Borrell “Argentina makes permanent efforts to improve Fontelles, among others. 3 the agricultural and livestock production capacities of developing countries through South- South Cooperation. Meeting of Foreign Ministers Solá and Blinken during G20

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oreign Minister Felipe Solá arrived on 29 June in The officials discussed the global consequences and FMatera, Italy, to participate in the G20 Meeting responses to the pandemic and the temporary nature of Foreign and Development Ministers. At noon, he of flight restrictions as a way to prevent the arrival of held a working meeting for over forty minutes with the the Delta variant in the country. U.S. Secretary of State, Antony John Blinken. Solá also highlighted President Biden’s speech on his During the friendly and constructive meeting, both 100th day in office, which addressed topics such as officials agreed on strengthening mutual trust, further the incentives for economic recovery, jobs and unions. engaging in sincere dialogue on all common matters— including those in which their governments have Both officials discussed the situation in Nicaragua and different views—and facing global and regional shared their concern over the recent events in that challenges. country.

They discussed the agenda to fight climate change Solá also explained to his counterpart the market and positively recalled the participation of President access problem for Argentine biodiesel in the United Alberto Fernández, invited by Joseph Biden, in the Stated and questioned countervailing tariffs. Leaders Summit on Climate, organised in April by the Ambassador Argüello noted that this topic is on the United States. Blinken highlighted Argentina’s table, and steps are being taken in order to resume commitment and leadership in the field, with a view to discussions. the next COP 26, the United Nations Climate Change Conference. The officials also discussed Argentina’s debt and Secretary Blinken told Solá he was aware of The Foreign Minister was joined by the Argentine Argentina’s proposal to the International Monetary Sherpa for the G20 and Ambassador to the United Fund to obtain more flexibility during negotiations. States, Jorge Argüello; the Chief of the Private Office of the Foreign Ministry, Guillermo Justo Chaves, and Finally, Solá provided details about Argentina’s the Argentine Ambassador to the Republic of Italy, vaccination plan, which includes the administration of Roberto Carlés. various vaccines, and welcomed President Biden’s decision to make a donation to face the pandemic, and to include Argentina among recipient countries. Meeting with German Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs: cooperation in renewable energy and university education

Solá and Maas discussed the potential for cooperation n 29 June, within the context of the G20 Foreign and and partnership in the field of energy, especially aimed Development Ministers’ Meeting, Foreign Minister O at the development of renewable energy, and the Felipe Solá held a bilateral meeting with his German many possibilities that Argentina has as green counterpart, Heiko Maas, to discuss the main areas of hydrogen producer, consumer and exporter. In cooperation between Argentina and Germany, addition, Germany’s KfW Development Bank is especially as regards projects in the fields of education, financing companies with investments in clean energy science and technology, and energy. projects in Salta, Jujuy and Mendoza, and agreements for the construction of wind farms in Chubut have Solá valued the strong relationship that Argentina has been executed. with Germany in the field of education, as well as in the fields of science and technology (biomedicine), Both ministers attended the “Future Forum: Argentina Antarctic cooperation and environmental protection. and Germany, energetic bonds and digital He highlighted their collaboration as regards the transformation” virtual conference, organized by the Argentine-German University Centre (CUAA/DAHZ). German embassy in Buenos Aires, an initiative that is The project comprises 24 binational courses of study part of the economic cooperation between both in strategic areas such as renewable energy, nations with a focus on digitalization, industrial geothermal energy, biomedicine, molecular biology, development and a partnership in the field of energy. astrophysics, environmental management, urban planning and mobility, and includes 49 universities (20 Joined by the Chief of Staff to the Minister, Guillermo of which are Argentine and 29 are German) and 34 Justo Chaves, Solá conveyed the Argentine different initiatives. 5 Government’s gratitude for Germany’s support for the negotiations that our Government is holding with both the IMF and the Paris Club, in line with President Alberto Fernández and Chancellor Angela Merkel’s conversation last May. Busy agenda during G20

with a trade surplus of USD 321.5 million. This country is a key hub for Argentina’s food supply to Asia. “The economic potential of Turkey, which is a regional power and huge international investor, is of great interest to our country as it is the second largest buyer of Argentine products in the region,” stated Solá.

Both Foreign Ministers welcomed cooperation on satellites through the creation of the GSATCOM Space Technologies joint venture between INVAP and Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), which will enable the production of light and high-performance n 29 June, during his visit to Matera to telecommunication satellites, named Small-Geo. Oparticipate in the G20 Foreign Affairs Ministers' This is a clear example of bilateral cooperation Meeting, Foreign Minister Solá had a busy agenda possibilities. of bilateral meetings that included, among others, working meetings with his counterparts from Solá later met with Faisal Bin Farhan Al Saud, the Turkey and Saudi Arabia to discuss key issues of Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia and he mutual interest and the global challenges in the stated that Saudi Arabia is one of Argentina’s main face of the pandemic and its multiple partners in the Middle East. consequences. “We are convinced that there many opportunities to Solá conveyed to his Turkish counterpart, Mevlüt explore in our mutual interest. Argentina wants to 6 Çavuşoğlu, “the importance of the bilateral relations continue advancing our bilateral relations in order to for Argentina and the commitment of our country to increase and diversify exports. Our country is a strengthen bonds in order to make progress in the leading global producer in the food market and is trade and economic fields, which have a lot of capable of contributing even further to food potential, as well as in the fields of scientific, security, one of the Kingdom’s main strategic technological, cultural and sports cooperation. priorities,” stated the Foreign Minister.

Regarding exchanges, the Argentine Foreign During both meetings, Solá was joined by the Chief Minister proposed holding the 6th Economic-Trade of Staff to the Minister, Guillermo Justo Chaves, Joint Committee this year, as it is a great and the Ambassador to Italy, Roberto Carlés. opportunity to identify new areas for the productive sectors of both countries. In 2020, Argentina’s exports to Turkey amounted to USD 517.6 million Bilateral meetings with Foreign Ministers of India and Algeria

s part of a busy schedule of bilateral meetings during The Ministers shared their satisfaction with the recent Ahis participation in the G20 Summit of Foreign Affairs meeting between space agencies and the possibilities for and Development Ministers, Foreign Minister Felipe Solá cooperation involving satellite images provided by met on 30 June in the city of Brindisi with his Argentina’s SAOCOM and data reception by India’s high- counterparts of India, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, and resolution optical satellites Cartosat and Resourcesat. Algeria, Sabri Boukadoum. Finally, the Indian Foreign Minister requested Argentina to Joined in both meetings by the Chief of the Private Office recognise yoga and ayurveda as methods of natural of the Foreign Ministry, Guillermo Justo Chaves, and the medicine within the country’s health systems, as several Argentine Ambassador to Italy, Roberto Carlés, Solá told countries have already done. There is a ministry in India Subrahmanyam Jaishankar that “India is a priority for our devoted to this field. country due to its strategic importance and economic and demographic weight.” He referred to the close bilateral During the meeting with Sabri Boukadoum that followed, ties, showcased by the Strategic Partnership between the the Argentine Foreign Minister thanked for the long- two countries. They also discussed access to vaccines, standing support of the People's Democratic Republic of bilateral trade expansion, and the possibility of increasing Algeria for Argentina on the Question of the Malvinas, and investments. the Ministers discussed trade matters and the pandemic.

Solá stated Argentina’s wish to continue cooperating with Solá provided details of the Foreign Ministry’s current India in the acquisition of COVID-19 vaccines and work with Northern Africa through the Secretariat for discussed the situation and normalisation of vaccine International Economic Relations, aimed at increasing production and exports. and diversifying trade, which although historically recording a surplus for Argentina, can be increased. He The Ministers agreed to continue cooperating in order to noted that Algeria offers opportunities for Argentina in achieve greater trade diversification, advance market terms of supply of technology applied to various sectors, access negotiations and promote the growth of medium including agriculture, food and software. and long-term investments. Argentina has a trade surplus 7 with India, with vegetable oils accounting for over 80% of Both Ministers further agreed on the need to guarantee the exports. equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines to all countries and access to scientific and technological With regard to economy and trade, they discussed the knowledge and experiences to face the pandemic. opportunities offered by the Indian market for increased exports of Argentine food products, and exchanged views At the end of the session in Brindisi, the Foreign Minister on the possibility of an agreement at the State level to held one last working meeting with the Minister for enable Indian investments destined to the development Economic Cooperation and Development of the Federal of the lithium industry in northwestern Argentina. They Republic of Germany, Gerd Müller, on his request, during also agreed on the need for Mercosur and India to which they discussed topics of interest to both countries. resume negotiations in order to reach a fair and balanced agreement. Meeting with Vatican Secretary of State

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fter addressing the UN Committee on They also discussed the situation in the region, ADecolonization in connection with the especially our country’s view on Venezuela and the Malvinas Question, Foreign Minister Felipe Solá situation in Nicaragua, issues over which the Holy arrived in Rome on 26 June, where he had an hour- See expressed its concern. In addition, they long audience at the Vatican with the Secretary for addressed topics related to the G20 Foreign Affairs Relations with States, Archbishop Paul Richard Ministers’ Meeting and stressed the importance of Gallagher. They discussed the pandemic and the enhancing multilateralism. global vaccine shortage as a result of the concentration of production and the unequal Gallagher also referred to the persecution of and distribution of doses in rich countries. hatred towards Christians in different parts of the world, a topic that concerns the Church and In a cordial and pleasant meeting, the regarding which Argentina has offered to cooperate Argentine Foreign Minister conveyed Argentina through its embassies. and President Alberto Fernandez’ support for the position adopted by Pope Francis to During his visit to the Vatican, Solá was make Covid-19 vaccines universal public goods accompanied by the Chief of Staff to the Minister, so that all countries have equitable access to Guillermo Justo Chaves, and the Ambassador to the them and to medical innovations developed to Holy See, María Fernanda Silva. fight the pandemic. They also highlighted the need to suspend intellectual property rights for medical products, including vaccines, that are necessary for the prevention and treatment of Covid-19. Meeting with Cardenal Turkson

9 by advancing sustainable and equitable policies, and on the contribution Argentina can make to that end. The Minister was joined by the Chief of the Private Office of the Foreign Ministry, Guillermo Justo Chaves, and the Ambassador to the Holy See, María Fernanda Silva.

Solá provided details of the measures adopted or strengthened by the Argentine government to support citizens during the pandemic, and referred to the Emergency Family Income, the Universal Child Allowance programme and the Alimentar food support card. They also addressed the link between climate change and food production. The Foreign Minister highlighted Pope Francis’ early initiative to fter his participation in the G20 Summit of Foreign create the Vatican COVID-19 Commission in March AAffairs and Development Ministers, and as part 2020, headed by Father Augusto Zampini, who also of his busy schedule of bilateral meetings, Foreign attended the meeting, and they discussed the work Minister Felipe Solá held on 1 July working carried out by the Commission’s five working meetings with the Prefect of the Dicastery for groups and its results. They also discussed the path Promoting Integral Human Development, Cardinal forward to achieve universal and equitable access Peter K. A. Turkson; the Secretary General of Caritas to vaccines and several issues related to integral Internationalis, Aloysius John; and the Grand human development. Chancellor and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Order of Malta, Albrecht Freiherr von Boeselager. After Pope Francis created the Dicastery in 2016, headed by Turkson, the latter became responsible Solá and Cardinal Turkson met for almost two for several key departments of the Vatican. The hours at the Palace of Saint Callixtus, and they Dicastery consolidated the work of four pontifical agreed on the need to deepen global cooperation to Councils: Justice and Peace, Pastoral Care for strengthen food systems and food security, Migrants and Itinerant People, Pastoral Care for The Foreign Minister also referred to the Caritas annual collection that took place 12 and 13 June across Argentina.

Later, during his meeting with the Grand Chancellor and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Military Order of Malta, Albrecht Freiherr von Boeselager, the Argentine Foreign Minister lauded the work being carried out by the Order, particularly in Argentine informal settlements and low-income neighbourhoods, covering expenses for educational and sports infrastructure and cooperating with food distribution. This meeting was also attended by the and the Secretary General for Foreign Affairs of the Sovereign Order of Malta, Ambassador Stefano Ronca. Health Care Workers, and Cor Unum. The Pope entrusted him with the responsibility of dealing with Founded in the 11th century in Jerusalem, the Order “issues regarding migrants, those in need, the sick, of Malta is the oldest lay order of the Roman the excluded and marginalized, the imprisoned and Catholic Church; its central government is located in the unemployed, as well as victims of armed Rome, it is a sovereign order and it holds relations conflict, natural disasters, and all forms of slavery with over 110 States. It is present in 120 countries and torture.” through its medical, social and humanitarian projects, and operates through 11 Priories, 48 Solá then met with the Secretary General of national Associations, 133 diplomatic missions, 1 Caritas Internationalis, Aloysius John, and thanked worldwide relief agency and 33 national volunteer him for the work carried out by the institution in corps. It does not pursue any economic or political Argentina during the pandemic, which helped three goal and does not depend on any other State or million people, not only by providing food and government. health and medical supplies but also through training. Aloysius John noted that Caritas “is the In all of his meetings, Minister Solá reviewed the key 10 helping hand of the Church” and that it is carrying topics of the recent G20 Summit of Foreign Affairs out enormous work throughout the world to deal and Development Ministers and highlighted the with the COVID pandemic and the climate crisis. vaccination plan that is being carried out by the Argentine government. Foreign Minister Solá received by Tunisian President

loreign Minister Solá arrived in the Republic of We have the know-how and experiences that are FTunisia on 2 July and was received by specific to Argentina and Tunisia. We need to boost President Kaïs Saied at Carthage Palace. Earlier, he trade. Argentina has a very high trade surplus and held a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Foreign wants trade to be more balanced and to grow for Affairs, Migrations and Tunisians Abroad, Othman both countries. We have to think about trade and Jerandi, and a large delegation. cooperation.”

Joined in both meetings by the Chief of the Private The Foreign Minister also thanked for the Office of the Foreign Ministry, Guillermo Justo unconditional support of Tunisia on the Question of Chaves; the Secretary for International Economic the Malvinas and highlighted the remarks of the Relations, Jorge Neme, and the Argentine Tunisian Ambassador last week in the UN Ambassador to Tunisia, Claudio Rozencwaig, Solá Committee on Decolonization. announced that the Foreign Ministry is planning a joint (public-private) economic and trade mission to The Tunisian Foreign Minister in turn stressed the Tunisia, aimed at developing business relations in friendship between both countries and the that country. The mission is also intended to complementarity of their economies. He also explore possibilities for cooperation in the fields of expressed his satisfaction with the official visit of science and technology related to agriculture and his Argentine counterpart and at the fact that the production of pharmaceutical products, always Tunisia had been chosen to host the conference, mindful of the need to develop projects that are headed by Solá and Neme and attended by the environment-friendly. Argentine Ambassadors in the region. He also stressed that international cooperation should be During the meetings, the officials agreed on the strengthened with a new approach, and that a renewed importance of multilateralism in the global solution must be found to global problems, context of the pandemic. They also stressed that, in because commitments and needs have changed. view of the global health situation, it is necessary for He added that democracy needs economic pillars 11 creditors to have a less demanding approach with and shared with Solá his satisfaction at the 60th regard to the debt of developing countries. anniversary of bilateral relations this year.

“Both countries believe in multilateralism as a Later, following a press conference with local mediation method in a very agitated world. We media, Solá held a working meeting with the heads agreed on the need that, during this pandemic of mission in the region, during which they and looking forward, local production in each discussed the political and economic situation in country or in certain regions must be carried each country and their health situation in the out without additional costs for countries that context of the pandemic. The meeting was have not produced vaccines so far. Otherwise, attended by the Ambassadors Mariano Simón humanity would be in danger,” Solá explained. Padrós (Algeria), Eduardo Antonio Varela (Egypt), Gustavo Teodoro Grippo (Ethiopia), Raúl Ignacio Solá further stated that “we are considering Guastavino (Morocco), Claudio Rozencwaig bilateral cooperation and the possibility of (Tunisia) and Marcia Levaggi (Senegal). triangular cooperation with Tunisia through cooperation agreements with other African countries. Trade opening and new investments in Italy

He further expressed interest in having Argentine beef in the market, and highlighted the importance of Latin American markets in fruit production and the presence of Argentine prawn and shrimp in the region.

“Milan’s market is the Italy’s largest and one of the most important ones in Europe. In addition, the city is a driver of industry, trade and services, it is a strategic platform to promote Argentine products throughout Italy. This common agenda with SOGEMI will enable Argentine agricultural companies to consolidate their presence in the region and will enhance the joint work that the Foreign Ministry has been doing with the private sector,” s instructed by Foreign Minister Felipe Solá, the highlighted Neme. A Secretary for International Economic Relations, Jorge, Neme, travelled to Milan, Italy, where he had a busy The Foreign Minister officials also met with Matteo schedule of trade meetings in the search for trade Gillerio, Business Developer at Duferco, an important opportunities and investments for Argentina. holding company in the field of energy, steel and sea freight with international presence in Europe, America, Neme met with Cesare Ferrero, Chairman of SOGEMI Africa and Asia, and with Michele Battaglia, representative S.p.a, the company that manages Milan’s Agrifood of the Silvateam company, world leader in vegetable Market, to discuss the first steps to present Argentine extracts, which is present in Argentina through its products to local importers and distributors. He later held subsidiary Indunor, which produces quebracho extract. 12 conversations with Matteo Gillerio, Business Developer in the Duferco company, Michele Battaglia, representative Neme talked about the potential for developing business of the Silvateam company, and Cristián Billardi, from the projects in the field of renewable energy production, both Uckmar Firm, who expressed interest in investing in the in the north of the country with solar energy as well as the field of renewable energy. building of wind turbines in the south. In addition, he conveyed to the business leaders the great potential of During the meeting held with representatives of Milan’s the biomass combustion energy production sector. They Agrifood Market, it was agreed to organize a meeting to discussed the sustainable development of forests with a present Argentina’s agricultural exportable offer, to be view to monitoring exploitation and improving the usage arranged by the Argentine Promotion Centre in Milan and of soils, citing as an example the evolution in the sugar held from 8 to 12 October. In that event, a presentation of cane production sector that now has two new business the meat, fishing, and fruit and vegetable sectors will be units: bioethanol and bagasse for energy production. made in the context of a mission that will include 20 Another matter of interest was waste management and representatives of the private sector who will hold an its use for compost and energy production. exhibition divided into three parts, one for each of those sectors. This activity and future ones are intended to Gillerio conveyed Duferco’s particular interest in investing open new trading channels and expand those that in the development of business units specialized in the already exist. production of renewable energy, especially photovoltaic energy, as well as the interest in energy trading. In AAccompanied by Consul General Luis Pablo addition, Battaglia noted his company’s interest in the Niscovolos, the Secretary presented to the expansion of energy generation using biomass, the representatives of Milan’s Agrifood Market development of which can gradually replace diesel-based Argentina’s potential for agricultural production, its energy production. established capacity to produce on demand and the logistical capacity to deliver products in a timely In closing, both business leaders and Cristián Billardi, manner. In addition, Director General Roberto Lion from Uckmar, advanced on the organization of a mission outlined SOGEMI’s potential for communicating and with Argentine provincial authorities to find Italian inviting counterparts to the presentation of Argentine business leaders interested in investing in renewable agricultural business leaders and producers. energy. La Cancillería celebró el Día Internacional del Orgullo LGBTIQ+

“For the first time, the rainbow flag is flying on the façade “I want to congratulate the Foreign Ministry on being one of the Foreign Ministry and also at Palacio San Martín,” of the first organizations in introducing this State policy stated the Secretary for Foreign Coordination and that includes trans people, as well as recognize the Planning, Martín Yañez, at the ceremony for the political willingness of Foreign Minister Felipe Solá for 13 International LGBTIQ+ Pride Day he chaired on 28 June, carrying out these actions.” where Felipe Solá’s administration’s commitment to protect and promote rights of members of diversity Finally, she stated that “through organization, political groups was reaffirmed. influence and a Federal, popular, feminist and diverse Government that responds to these demands, let us “This year in particular we have things to celebrate, like the continue implementing transformative policies.” passing of the trans labour quota law, the inclusion of transgender and non-binary workers in the Foreign Ministry and the signing of Ministerial Order 82/21 on diversity last May. However, we must also think and reflect on all we still have to do to advance in terms of the inclusion of diversity,” stated the Secretary.

Last May, the Foreign Minister signed Ministerial Order 82/21, which creates a Sexual Diversity and Gender Focal Point (FOGENE) within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs which will be aimed at formulating policies and programs that enhance the promotion and protection of LGBTIQ+ people’s rights, sexual diversity and gender identity of Foreign Ministry workers.

During the meeting, which was attended by the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Pablo Tettamanti, and the Head of White Helmets, Marina Cardelli, among other Foreign Ministry officials, Yañez stated that “it is essential that each of us do everything in our power to make inclusion not just a rule but a reality.”

In addition, the INADI Director for Policies and Practices against Discrimination, Ornella Infante, stated: New opportunities for Argentine livestock exports to Saudi Arabia

Following joint work between the Argentine Foreign Ministry, the Ministry of Agriculture and SENASA (the National Service for Agri-food Health and Quality), and as part of the work that the Secretariat for International Economic Relations has been doing with the goal of enhancing external markets for Argentine products, Saudi Arabia approved a readjustment of the veterinary certificate to export cattle, sheep and goats from Argentina to Saudi Arabia, for breeding, fattening and slaughter.

This simplifies the procedures to issue sanitary certificates for the shipment of livestock heads from Argentina to the Saudi market and improves the entry process for Argentine exports.

This negotiation will enable the sale of 30,000 heads of sheep, a transaction that will be completed with this certificate that has been readjusted. In 2020, Saudi Arabia imported more than USD 510 million in heads of cattle, sheep and goats. In this regard, the Secretary for International Economic Relations, Jorge Neme, noted that “the Arab Gulf countries’ market has been consolidated as an increasingly important destination for Argentine livestock exports.”

Federal Foreign Ministry promotes La Rioja’s projects and business sector

14 As part of Foreign Minister Solá’s plan to federalize Argentina’s foreign policy, the Foreign Ministry’s Undersecretary for National Affairs, Fernando Asencio, had a busy work schedule on 29 June in La Rioja, which included meetings with Governor Ricardo Quintela and his team and with the Undersecretary for Foreign Affairs, Mariana Urbano, as well as visits to production enterprises.

“We agreed on a joint working agenda on topics of provincial interest with a focus on La Rioja’s international integration, within the context of a Federal Foreign Ministry,” stated Asencio, who during his visit learned more about international integration projects, such as the Arauco Wind Farm, the Pircas Negras Pass, and other projects that are being developed.

“Our new task is to position the Foreign Ministry in order to make it truly federal. We are leaving with a unique experience, a thriving province with amazing natural places, with the warmth of the people and the strength of the Governor to make it successful,” stated Asencio during his visit, the fifth one to a province within the federalization plan of Argentina’s foreign policy.

In addition, Asencio met with officials of the National University of La Rioja (UNLAR) and they agreed on “promoting the diplomatic career and the various proposals to enhance the foreign relations of La Rioja’s university and students.”

“We also visited one of the textile plants of TN Platex, which, despite the pandemic, provides work for 410 families in the province, adding value to the national industry,” highlighted Asencio who also visited the Arauco Wind Farm, a state company in La Rioja, and stated that it is “a source of pride for La Rioja and Argentina.”

“The workers showed me how the province believes in technology, production and education development, which are necessary for economic and social progress,” he stated.

Accompanied by La Rioja’s Minister for Tourism and Culture, Asencio also visited the new Castro Barros Cultural Centre, where he could see the work that is being done to promote touristic attractions and cultural exhibitions. President Fernández at Generation Equality Forum: “It is necessary to adopt strong public policies aimed at eradicating structural inequality patterns”

The President also announced that “the Argentine State has decided to be a part of and co-lead the Global Alliance for Care with the Mexican Government, with a view to promoting comprehensive care systems, thus building societies that are truly more inclusive and less unequal.”

The event was convened by UN Women and co-hosted by the governments of Mexico and France in partnership with youth and civil society entities. It began in Mexico City in March and ended in Paris with a three-day event.

President Fernández spoke on the panel “Ensuring Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights”, together with his French counterpart; the founder of the "All-Poland Women's Strike" movement, Klementyna Suchanow; and n 30 June, President Alberto Fernández stated that the Executive Director of the United Nations Population O “it is necessary to adopt strong public policies aimed Fund, Natalia Kanem. at eradicating structural inequality patterns,” and called for “the reorganization of our peoples’ social life with a The international meeting commemorates the 25th view to fairer, more equal human relations, without anniversary of the 4th World Conference on Women held oppression or discrimination based on social class, in September 1995 in Beijing, during which, with the 15 nationality, ethnicity or gender.” participation of 189 country representatives and more than 30,000 activists from around the world, the The Head of State made these remarks from the Declaration and Platform for Action was adopted, Presidential Residence in Olivos during his virtual considered by the UN “the most progressive blueprint participation in the Generation Equality Form, which was ever for advancing women's rights.” also attended by the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel; the Presidents of France, Emmanuel Macron, and Mexico, The Argentine Head of State regretted the fact that “deep Andrés Manuel López Obrador; the Prime Minister of roots of exclusion and inequality” still exist, which Canada, Justin Trudeau; the Vice-president of the United especially affect “poor, migrant and indigenous women, States, Kamala Harris; the former U.S. Secretary of State, and people discriminated against on the basis of their Hillary Clinton; and the United Nations Secretary General, sexual orientation or gender expression.” He added that Antonio Guterres. this situation “has worsened in the context of the current health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.” “Those of us in government must assume responsibility and satisfy the demands; the pain of those who are The speakers during the activity were the Executive deprived of their rights and suffer discrimination should Director of UN Women, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka; the be a wake-up call for us,” the President stated during the President of the European Commission, Ursula Von der event that seeks to launch specific actions to achieve Leyen; the President of the European Council, Charles immediate and irreversible progress towards gender Michel; the founder of the “Little Dreamers Foundation” in equality. Zimbabwe, Shantel Marekera; and the 2018 Nobel Peace Prize winners, Nadia Murad and Denis Mukwege, among During his address, joined by the Minister Elizabeth other personalities of civil society. Gómez Alcorta, the President highlighted the measures adopted since he took office in December 2019, including The activity was also attended by the Finnish Prime the creation of the Argentine Ministry for Women, Minister, Sanna Marin; the Georgian President, Salomé Genders and Diversity; the adoption of the abortion Zourabichvli; and the Presidents of South Africa, Cyril legalization law, aimed at preventing any woman or Ramaphosa and Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta. person with the capacity to carry a child from putting their life or health at risk in a clandestine abortion ever again; and the conversion into law of the Comprehensive Health Assistance and Care Plan during Pregnancy and Early Childhood. Ambassador Ilarregui presented letters of credence to Cuba President

n 24 June, the Argentine Ambassador, Luis Ilarregui, O presented to the President of the Councils of State and Ministers of the Republic of Cuba, Miguel Díaz- Canel his letters of credence, which officially accredit him as the new Argentine Ambassador to that country. The ceremony was also attended by Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla and Deputy Foreign Minister Marcelino Medina González.

During the meeting, Ilarregui congratulated Díaz-Canel on the effectiveness results of the Soberana 2 and Abdala vaccines, the first Covid-19 vaccines to be produced in Latin America. They highlighted the potential of the bilateral relations and discussed various projects under development. The Ambassador, accompanied by former Federal Congresswoman Adela Segarra, stated that Argentina has a lot to offer for Cuba’s economic development, especially in the field of agribusiness.

After presenting his letters of credence at Cuba’s Government House, the Argentine Ambassador took part in the wreath- laying ceremony at the José Martí monument, at Revolution Square, pursuant to Cuba’s protocol.

The Ambassador’s nomination was approved by the Argentine Senate on 11 February when he stated that “Cuba has strongly supported Argentina in the Malvinas question,” and he highlighted the historical relationship between both countries. On the economic front, he stressed that “Cuba is our first Central American buyer, and Argentina runs a trade surplus; but we have to advance on trade.”

16 Argentina has already received almost 27 million vaccines to immunize its population

n 2 July, 1,141,000 doses of the first component of O Sputnik V vaccine arrived at Ezeiza Airport from Moscow, making this the largest vaccine shipment carried by a single Aerolíneas Argentinas plane ever since these flights started. With this, a total of 1,850,085 doses arrived this week from Russia and now the country has almost 27 million doses, within the framework of the Covid-19 immunization campaign conducted by the Federal Government.

On 29 June, 709,085 Sputnik V doses had arrived (359,085 of the first component and 350,000 of the second component), which together with 8,115 leftover doses (2,715 of component 1 and 5,400 of component 2) are being delivered to the 24 provinces for further implementation of the Strategic Vaccination Plan.

Furthermore, a new record was achieved in June, with 8,410,643 doses having been administered throughout the country, with a daily average of 280,355 applications, while the arrival of 8,074,785 doses was also a record figure.

So far, Argentina has received 26,847,730 doses: 11,265,830 of Sputnik V (9,375,670 of component 1 and 1,890,160 of component 2); 6,000,000 of Sinopharm; 580,000 of AstraZeneca-Covishield; 1,944,000 of AstraZeneca under the OMS COVAX mechanism; and 7,057,900 of AstraZeneca-Oxford, with its active ingredient having been produced in Argentina.

According to Public Vaccination Monitor data, by closing of this newsletter 25,040,593 vaccines had been distributed among all provinces, 21,310,096 of which have already been administered: 17,106,617 people received the first dose and 4,203,409 completed the full vaccination regime. Argentina-Vietnam Cooperation in Forensic Anthropology

n 29 June, a virtual meeting was held between the Argentine Forensic Anthropology Team (EAAF), O the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs of Vietnam, and the organizations that participate in the FO.AR Project “Capacity-building for the identification of the remains of war martyrs”.

The purpose of the meeting was to deepen and strengthen technical cooperation in Forensic Anthropology between Argentina and Vietnam. The parties reviewed the various stages of the Project initiated in 2010 and exchanged views on lessons learned, best practices, and implementation- related challenges identified.

The officials of both countries discussed the guidelines for the next stage of the Cooperation Project and agreed to continue working in accordance with the needs expressed by the Vietnamese organizations.

The event was organized by the Argentine Embassy in Vietnam and the General Directorate of International Cooperation of the Foreign Ministry. It was attended by the head of the EAAF Forensic Laboratory, Analía Simonetto, the Director General of the Department of National Devotees of MOLISA and focal point of the project in Vietnam, Mr. Dao Ngoc Loi, and the Argentine Ambassador to Vietnam, Luis Pablo María Beltramino.

17 Argentine expert Pablo Ceriani Cernadas elected to Committee on Rights of All Migrant Workers

he Argentine Foreign Ministry congratulates Pablo Ceriani Cernadas on being elected as Texpert member of the Committee on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families for the period 2022-2025.

Ceriani Cernadas has a long career in the field of migrations and particularly working for the rights of migrants and their families. He was a member of the Committee between 2014 and 2017 and was nominated to be Vice-chair by his peers.

At the regional level, he has worked in several Latin American countries within the framework of different initiatives aimed at promoting public policies on migration from a rights-based approach.

In Argentina, he contributed from academic and civil society sectors to the processes that led to the adoption, implementation and evaluation of the current migration law, working in a constructive manner with the main institutional actors in the field.

With this election, the Argentine State reaffirms its international leadership in the promotion and protection of human rights, and particularly with regard to the rights of migrants.

18 This Convention is the only legally binding international human rights instrument that contains specific provisions on the rights of migrants and their families.

The Committee on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families is the implementation body of the Convention, currently made up of fourteen independent experts. The tasks of the Committee include examining regular reports submitted by States Parties to the Convention and issuing appropriate observations in order for States to implement the rights enshrined in the treaty. 19