The dialogue between ambassadors that the organizers of the 19th. edition of Council of the Americas in Buenos Aires had an unexpected derivation when the diplomatic representative of the United States in Argentina, Marc Stanley, made a direct allusion to what the political leaders of this country “should do today.” “I heard Horacio (Rodriguez Larreta, who had spoken in the previous panel) talking about wanting to be part of a coalition in the next government that would save the country; I tell them that the moment is today, that don’t wait for the 2023 electionsregardless of ideology or partisan position, join forces right nowthis is the moment”.
Marc Stanley shared the panel with Jorge ArguelloArgentine ambassador in Washington, and both were presented and coordinated by Susan Segal, president of the Americas Society/Council of the Americas and moderator of the table on the occasion. Arguello reported that she maintains permanent contact with Stanley, “no less than three times a week”, in which they share points of view about the possibilities of developing shared business strategies between both countries.
The “necessary” partner
“We have the natural resources, the United States can give us the necessary funds to develop the necessary infrastructure,” said Arguello in relation to the possibilities that Argentina has to occupy an advantageous position in the world in the trade of food, oil and gas, and mineral resources such as lithium.
Stanley returned several times throughout his speech to the chance that Argentina has through development and trade in those same three areas. “There are dozens of American companies waiting for the opportunity to participate with their investments,” he stressed. But he also called for “clear rules and transparency” for investors. “I would love to see that, in an upcoming meeting with European authorities, the United States government could say that, together with Argentina, we are ready to sell the world the food they are demanding”.
The US ambassador’s speech in the spacious room of the Alvear Hotel where it was taking place sweetened the ears of the attendees, generally people linked to the business of some three hundred US companies in the country. They sounded like a hand extended from the first western power to Argentina saying: “Do they have Vaca Muerta, do they have food, do they have lithium? Here is the partner they need to go out and offer it”.
climate change
But that kind speech and within the usual guidelines in this type of business meetings and relations with foreign capital, suddenly shook the audience when Ambassador Marc Stanley decided to take a bolder step. Almost a jump, actually, in his oratory.
He mentioned the speech that the head of the Buenos Aires government had offered minutes before and self-perceived candidate for the presidential elections of October 2023 for Together for Change, Horacio Rodríguez Larretato push himself into the field of advising the politicians of the ruling party and the opposition to abandon the positions of confrontation that they hold today and go in search of a shared path.
“I heard Horace”
“I have heard Horacio talk about the next government forming a strong coalition to rescue the country. And I tell them: work on those agreements from now on and don’t wait to see the results of the 2023 elections.”, began by advising. “Today is the day to develop those three strategic sectors that the world is demanding.
“They have the goods that the world is needing today”he said by way of reflection, and went on to the proactive level, which in the mouth of a United States ambassador and in that area, is heard as something more than a suggestion: “Forget about ideologies and parties and put together that coalition now. I tell you as a representative of the country that wants to be your partner and as someone who loves Argentina and sees its potential: work on those agreements now, don’t wait 16 months.”