Milei Meets Macron to Discuss EU-Mercosur Deal and Nuclear Energy Plans
Argentine President Javier Milei met with French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss nuclear energy plans, critical minerals, and the stalled EU-Mercosur free trade agreement. This marked Milei’s notable participation at the UN Oceans Conference in Nice, facilitated by Macron’s invitation. Both leaders praised economic reforms and pledged collaboration in energy and investment sectors, indicating a growing strategic partnership.
At a recent meeting on the fringes of a UN conference in Nice, Argentine President Javier Milei and French President Emmanuel Macron discussed crucial topics including nuclear energy plans, critical minerals partnerships, and the ongoing EU-Mercosur free trade negotiations. This engagement occurred during Milei’s visit to France for the UN Oceans Conference, set for June 9-13, and was interpreted as a diplomatic nod toward Macron, despite Milei’s previously voiced criticisms of the UN.
The meeting, a signal of goodwill between the two leaders, is striking given that Milei has historically held a skeptical view of the United Nations. Nevertheless, this time, government officials indicated that he agreed to attend at Macron’s specific request. Accompanying Milei were various officials, including the Presidential Chief-of-Staff, Karina Milei, and Foreign Minister Gerardo Werthein, as well as Argentina’s Ambassador to France, Ian Sielecki.
Notably, the discussions touched upon the EU-Mercosur deal, which has met with resistance particularly from certain agricultural sectors in Europe. Deputy Fernando Iglesias, who participated in the meeting, revealed that President of the European Council António Costa stressed the deal’s significance to Milei amidst the EU’s hesitations.
Macron reportedly commended Milei’s economic reforms during their talks, reflecting a positive shift in Franco-Argentine relations. Furthermore, Macron pledged support for Argentina’s Nuclear Plan, which aims to enhance the country’s role in global energy production and attract foreign investments.
In addition, the dialogue included a bilateral agreement focused on critical minerals, which could boost French investments in resource extraction in Argentina, particularly lithium and copper. The partnership is expected to foster scientific collaboration aimed at discovering more mineral resources in Argentina.
Milei expressed gratitude for France’s backing in Argentina’s discussions with international financial bodies, including the IMF and the OECD. He also highlighted the importance of French investments across various sectors, notably mining, energy, and automotive.
According to anonymous government sources, this collaboration signifies an unprecedented level of political closeness between France and Argentina, with expectations of enhanced coordination moving forward. This recent meeting marks their third encounter, following Macron’s visit to Argentina last November, where Milei gifted Macron a collection of works by the esteemed Spanish economist Jesús Huerta de Soto, a figure influential to Milei’s ideology.
In summary, the recent talks between Presidents Milei and Macron in Nice underscore the strengthening of Franco-Argentine relations. They examined vital issues ranging from nuclear energy collaboration to the EU-Mercosur trade agreement, alongside support for Argentina’s economy. With high hopes for future cooperation and investment, the relationship between these nations appears to be reaching new heights, promising a more strategic and supportive partnership ahead.
Original Source: www.batimes.com.ar
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