AUSTRIA, September 26 - On 27^th September 2022, Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg hosted the Argentinean Foreign Minister, Santiago Andrés Cafiero, who is currently taking part in the 66^th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, for a work meeting. In addition to expanding their bilateral relations, the exchange also focussed on the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine and its global impact.

In the meeting, Foreign Minister Schallenberg thanked his counterpart for Argentina’s high-profile participation in the IAEA General Conference. He underlined the important role that the Vienna-based organisation is playing in the context of Russia’s attacks on the Ukrainian nuclear power plant in Zaporizhia, as well as the Russian Federation’s nuclear threats. In this respect, he particularly mentioned the Argentinean Rafael Mariano Grossi, who as the current General Director of the IAEA is leading the push to restore the security of the Ukrainian nuclear power plants.

Foreign Minister Schallenberg also welcomed Argentina’s clear stance and sharp condemnation of the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine. For instance, during the General Assembly of the United Nations, Argentina joined with the vast majority of the international community in condemning the Russian invasion. In this regard, Foreign Minister Schallenberg called upon Argentina to build on this step and to help ensure that this war is ended as quickly as possible.

We cannot allow all the countries that share our values – and of course that also includes Argentina – to believe that the current crises involving energy and inflation are the result of Western sanctions. They are solely and entirely caused by Putin’s attack on Ukraine,

said Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg.

Opportunities for strengthening the economic relationship between Austria and Argentina were another central discussion topic. Argentina is Austria’s third-largest trade partner in Latin America, and it continues to offer great potential for Austrian companies. Especially in the area of renewable energy, like hydropower and wind power, but also for hydrogen, Austrian companies offer enormous expertise. Domestic companies are also leaders in the timber industry, making Austria an important strategic partner for Argentina.

Finally, the two foreign ministers also talked about the strong emotional connection between the two countries, thanks to the approximately 30,000 direct descendants of victims of the Nazi regime’s persecution who currently live in Argentina. Following an amendment to the citizenship law in September 2020, they also have the opportunity to gain Austrian citizenship.