Argentina and Russia to expand cooperation in agribusiness, mining and science

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The President of Argentina, Alberto Fernández, met this Tuesday (7) with authorities and executives of Russian companies at the Casa Rosada, in what was described as a “historic” meeting that will strengthen the cooperation ties between the two nations.

According to a press release, the Argentine ambassador in Moscow, Eduardo Zuain, said that during the meeting, “each company explained what it does, the possibilities they see in Argentina, and their interests in investing in the country,” according to a press release from the Casa Rosada.

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The Argentine representatives and the Russian executives committed to “increasing cooperation in agribusiness, mining and the knowledge economy by strengthening the technological, scientific system and improving the country’s infrastructure,” detailed the Presidency’s office.

For the Russian representative in Argentina, Dmitry Feoktistov, it was a “historic” meeting between “strategic partners” who seek to “cooperate in all areas”.

Before the lunch at Casa Rosada, Argentine government officials and a delegation of Russian business people, including authorities of the Russian Dircta Investment Fund (RDIF) and representatives of the private bank Sovcombank, met at the Bicentennial Museum.

The Presidency office highlighted that the government of Fernández “wants to be an intermediary to be able to strengthen these links between our productive sector and the work and learning opportunities that exist with the Russian productive sectors.”

Zuain highlighted the help provided by Russia to Argentina during the coronavirus pandemic, with the provision of the Sputnik V vaccine, with which the vaccination campaign was carried out in the South American country.

“We want to reproduce this example between Russian businessmen and state and private companies with Argentine companies,” added the diplomat, quoted by the website El Destape.

Presidential advisor Cecilia Nicolini said that, based on the solid relationship they have been having with the Russian Direct Investment Fund due to the vaccine issue, the objective is to “generate investment opportunities in different sectors of the Argentine economy.”

“I am sure that we will be able to continue increasing cooperation in all sectors in the short term so that this will benefit the Russian people and the Argentine people as well,” said the Chief of Cabinet, Juan Manzur, who headed the meeting.

On behalf of Argentina, in addition to Manzur, Zuaín, and Nicolini, the meeting with the Russian businessmen was attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Santiago Cafiero; the Minister of Health, Carla Vizzotti; the Minister of Economy, Martín Guzmán; the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Julián Domínguez; and the Minister of Transport, Alexis Guerrera.

Also present were the Secretary of International Economic Relations, Cecilia Todesca, and the Secretary of Energy, Darío Martínez.

Nicolini informed that presentations, meetings, and activities would be held throughout the week to promote Russian investment opportunities in Argentina.