President Moon Jae-in and President Mauricio Macri of Argentina held a summit over breakfast this morning on the sidelines of the G20 Summit. They discussed how to promote substantive cooperation between the two countries.
President Moon began by congratulating President Macri on the successful hosting of the G20 Summit. He went on to say that the two countries need to step up cooperation in a wide range of areas, including trade, investment, infrastructure construction and mining as well as science and technology.
President Moon said, "Argentina is rich in lithium, a key mineral for new growth engine industries. This year, a Korean business has invested in developing lithium mines in Argentina, and as such, cooperation between our two countries in the mining industry is being strengthened." The President requested interest and support from his counterpart for Korean businesses equipped with excellent technological prowess and a competitive edge.
In addition, President Moon noted, "Currently, the Export-Import Bank of Korea is seeking to conclude a relending facility agreement with an Argentine bank. Once it is concluded and utilized, I expect there will be improvements in the business environment for both countries' companies." President Moon asked for President Macri's interest in this regard.
President Macri promised to make sure that Korean companies would be able to participate in bidding for public projects in Argentina under the same conditions that apply to other foreign companies from the United States and the United Kingdom as there were occasions in which Korean companies could not participate in bids due to the issue of financial guarantees. In addition, President Macri requested that a direct flight be established between the two countries and that Korea allow the import of Argentine beef and fruit.
President Moon expressed his gratitude to his counterpart for Argentina showing consistent support for the process to achieve complete denuclearization and permanent peace on the Korean Peninsula. President Macri said that his country would continue to send unconditional support in that regard.