The foreign ministers of Argentina, Diana Mondino, and Chile, Alberto van Klaveren, held a working meeting in Buenos Aires on Monday (27.05.2024) to discuss, among other issues, the current operation of border crossings.
“In view of the winter season and upcoming peak periods at international border crossings, it was agreed to implement joint measures to reduce waiting times for users, with special emphasis on the situation at the Cristo Redentor Border Crossing System,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.
The foreign ministers also discussed "the importance of completing the infrastructure works promised to advance the full and complete operation of the Bioceanic Road Corridor in the planned time frame, which will allow the integration and connection of large areas of Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Paraguay and will have a direct impact on the increase in trade that will benefit our populations."
“Mondino and van Klaveren discussed the most important issues of economic and commercial relations between both countries, by reviewing figures on the broad bilateral trade and the progress achieved in light of the new trade agreement that came into force in 2019,” the Argentine Foreign Ministry said.
The ministers agreed that energy integration and the transition to renewable energy is one of the main issues of interest for both countries. They thus reaffirmed their willingness to "deepen trade in natural gas, LNG and hydrocarbons, electrical interconnection and cooperation in hydrogen." Regarding binational mining projects, the importance of continuing to advance within the framework of the "Treaty of Integration and Mining Complementation" was highlighted, as well as cooperation in "lithium matters" through the Binational Working Group on Lithium and Salt Flats.
Among other topics discussed were Antarctic cooperation and security, where they discussed the interest in “continuing to collaborate in the fight against international organized crime and strengthening bilateral police cooperation, ratifying the commitments made at the last meeting of the Brasilia Consensus in this area,” the statement said.
It is important to note that the meeting addressed the commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the Treaty of Peace and Friendship between both countries, which will be held in November in Chile.
Aduana News is the first Argentine customs newspaper to launch its digital version. With 20 years of experience, its publications and initiatives aim to provide the most relevant knowledge on customs issues in order to contribute to safe trade in the region.
