On May 17, 2024, Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Argentine Foreign Minister Diana Mondino gathered in Washington D.C. to sign a Memorandum of Understanding on a Framework of Understanding between the United States and Argentina. The signing aimed to establish a high-level strategic dialogue between the two nations.
Secretary Blinken expressed his pleasure at having Foreign Minister Mondino present for the occasion. He recalled his visit to Buenos Aires and thanked her and the president for their hospitality. He also noted that the day's event was a reflection of the deepening cooperation, coordination, and relationship between the United States and Argentina.
"We're going to sign in a couple of minutes a framework of understanding to re-establish our high-level dialogue," said Secretary Blinken. "This signing really symbolizes the very robust relationship that we have."
He mentioned that while they celebrated 200 years of diplomatic relations last year, there has been an important intensification of their joint work across virtually every front in recent months. This includes bilateral, regional, and global bases.
The high-level dialogue being re-established reflects the strengthening of this relationship across various sectors such as democracy and human rights, economic growth, science and technology, cultural and educational cooperation among others.
Foreign Minister Mondino echoed these sentiments stating that it was an honor to be present for this significant event. She highlighted Argentina's efforts towards promoting development through democracy and freedom.
"We have shared values; that’s one of the main reasons why it is so easy to restart or re-jump," she said referring to their longstanding relationship.
She further elaborated on Argentina's strong intention to expand trade and investment agenda with the United States as well as other countries. She believes this will help improve not only Argentinian lives but also those in other countries through contributions towards food security or energy transition.
Before signing the agreement, both parties acknowledged its significance with humor - Secretary Blinken joked about their trust in each other being so high that they weren't even reading the text, while Foreign Minister Mondino referred to the signing as a drill.
The memorandum was signed amidst applause, marking a significant step in strengthening the cooperation between Argentina and the United States.
