G20 Foreign Ministers in Rio de Janeiro: Mondino began his agenda and held bilateral meetings with Brazil, Singapore and the European Union.

Within the framework of her participation in the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Foreign Minister Mondino is developing an extensive agenda of bilateral meetings.

Within the framework of her participation in the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting, which takes place between Wednesday, February 21 and Thursday, February 22 in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Foreign Minister Diana Mondino is developing an extensive agenda of bilateral meetings, which included work meetings with his peers from Brazil and the European Union (EU), and with the Vice-Chancellor of Singapore.

Early on Wednesday the 21st, the Chancellor was received by Mauro Vieira, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brazil. Both highlighted the historical relationship between both countries, analyzed reciprocal trade and confirmed that Argentina and Brazil are strategic partners. Mondino explained the reforms promoted by the Government of President Milei and maintained that within this framework there will be no more restrictions on Argentine trade.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of our country also pointed out that, given the breadth of the common agenda, it is important to promote meetings of the specific bilateral mechanisms for each area. In this framework, the Foreign Ministers agreed that joint work on border issues and physical and energy integration must be deepened. The Chancellor pointed out that Argentina is interested in attracting Brazilian investments to expand gas transportation infrastructure for the benefit of both countries.

On the other hand, the Foreign Ministers valued cooperation in science and technology, and highlighted the strategic relationship in nuclear matters, with the central role of the Brazilian-Argentine Agency for Accounting and Control of Nuclear Materials (ABACC), which guarantees trust in terms of safeguards and is a bilateral institution unique in the world and internationally recognized.

Finally, Mondino mentioned the Waterway and its importance as an axis of cooperation and integration. In this regard, both officials analyzed the issue of the remuneration rate. On the other hand, the Chancellor added that the Argentine Government hopes to strengthen cooperation with Brazil in defense, space and Antarctic matters. And Mauro Vieira, in turn, especially recognized Argentina's participation in this G20 Foreign Ministers' forum.

Next, Mondino held a working meeting with the Vice-Chancellor of Singapore, Maliki Osman, with whom he highlighted that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations, an ideal opportunity to reinvigorate the common agenda in all fields, mainly cooperation in high technology, trade and investment.

It should be noted that Mondino signed a Memorandum of Understanding with its Singaporean counterpart that will allow for the increase and greater scope of bilateral Technical Cooperation in the most diverse sectors.

The Argentine Minister expressed the need to increase and balance reciprocal trade, and at the same time pointed out that the reforms carried out by President Milei will allow a greater flow of Singaporean investments, currently focused on logistics (ports), real estate development, mining and energy .

During the meeting, both highlighted the Mercosur – Singapore agreement, which will soon come into force after arduous negotiations. It should be remembered that this is the bloc's first agreement with a member of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), which also functions as a gateway for exports to that region, due to its status as a logistical and financial hub.

As Singapore constitutes a large potential market due to its need to supply food to its population, Maliki Osman expressed his country's interest in diversifying the import of Argentine agricultural products. At the closing of the meeting, both Ministers stressed that Argentina and Singapore have a strategic link, given that their economies are complementary, not competitive

On the other hand, the Chancellor had a working meeting with the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the EU, Josep Borrell Fontelles. In this framework, the Ministers agreed that the EU is a natural partner of Argentina, a product of the historical relationship that unites our country with many of its Member States.

Regarding the bilateral economic agenda, they highlighted that the EU is the 2nd destination for Argentine exports, and the 1st investor in our country. The stock of European investment in Argentina amounts to US$56 billion (June 2023). Mondino stated that our country wants to revitalize its industry with technology and investments.

Regarding the Mercosur – EU Agreement, the Chancellor reiterated that its signing continues to be a priority for the Argentine Government. He also gave details to his counterpart about Argentina's accession process to the OECD, and together they analyzed the regional and global situation. On the other hand, Mondino detailed to Borrell the reforms promoted by the Argentine Government and the lifting of trade restrictions.

Likewise, the Chancellor recalled that Argentina is a partner of the EU in energy and in the development of value chains of critical raw materials. He outlined an overview of the state in terms of investments for the development of lithium in Argentina and added that our country is interested in the European Bank extending its financing for investments to new projects.

Likewise, regarding the entry of Argentine biodiesel into Europe, he renewed the expectation that the European Commission would adopt the necessary measures for the continuity of the supply of the product.