Britain and Argentina seek closer bilateral trade ties

The UK is seeking closer trade links with Argentina and greater co-operation regarding shipping and the oil industry affecting the Falklands Islands.

Sir Alan Duncan, the foreign and commonwealth minister, who was the first sitting minister to visit the country since 2009, said “The UK and Argentina are building a positive relationship based on areas where we so clearly agree … [and we] have a broad relationship that goes beyond our differences.”

Both countries set out to tackle issues affecting the South Atlantic and the Falkland Islands, agreeing to working on removing measures around the oil and gas industry, shipping and fishing affecting the islands.

The countries planned greater co-operation through increasing trade links, uncovering new investment opportunities, strengthening cultural ties, tackling corruption and organised crime, and increasing links in science and technology.

During Duncan's two day trip to Argentina he met with President Mauricio Macri and attended the business and investment forum.

Significantly, they agreed to support a project to identify the remains of unknown Argentine soldiers buried in the Falkland Islands during the three-month war in 1982.

They also agreed that the Falkland Islands are free to set up flight connections with other countries in the region. A monthly stopover in Argentina will see a further arrangement similar to the one which already exists.

Duncan said: “The South Atlantic dialogue will seek to build cooperation in areas of mutual interest. Of course this will not include the issue of sovereignty. The UK continues to strongly support the rights of the Falkland islanders and our position on sovereignty has not changed - there can be no dialogue on this unless the Falkland islanders so wish.

“It’s clear to me that Argentina is open for business. The measures agreed today demonstrate we can make progress through dialogue.”

The UK also reaffirmed its support for Argentina’s presidency of the G20 summit in 2018 and its aspiration for a closer relationship with the Organisation for Cooperation and Economic Development (OECD).