Argentina - UK Relations
A reset of the bilateral relationship as set out in the joint communiqué of September 2016. The Minister of State for Europe and the Americas, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Sir Alan Duncan, visited Argentina on 12 and 13 September 2016. The principal reason for the visit was to enhance bilateral consultations with the Argentine Foreign Ministry and attend the Business and Investment Forum organised by the Argentine government. During the visit both sides agreed to put emphasis on the positive bilateral agenda with the objective to make ever closer bilateral ties, developing links and firm cooperation to the benefit of the people of both countries.
The bilateral meeting was held so both officials could continue to develop a comprehensive, multi-dimensional and multi-sector agenda based on the complementarity between both nations, focused on the strengthening of the bilateral relationship and on the search for solutions to global problems within multilateral fora.
It was agreed to work together to identify new areas of collaboration and, in that context, to reactivate high-level bilateral consultations initiated in 2002 based on comprehensive themes and held annually. These consultations will seek to deepen the bilateral relationship around a positive agenda that addresses global challenges in the medium and long term.
Argentina has long historic links with the UK. There are opportunities for cooperation in a significant number of areas, ranging from the fight against climate change, the promotion of human rights, respect for diversity and gender equality, and scientific exchanges, as we have seen recently in the development, production and distribution stages of COVID-19 vaccines.
In a positive spirit, both sides agreed to set up a dialogue to improve cooperation on South Atlantic issues of mutual interest. Both governments agreed that the formula on sovereignty in paragraph 2 of the Joint Statement of 19 October 1989 applies to this Joint Communique and to its consequences. In this context it was agreed to take the appropriate measures to remove all obstacles limiting the economic growth and sustainable development of the Falkland Islands, including in trade, fishing, shipping and hydrocarbons. Both parties emphasised the benefits of cooperation and positive engagement for all concerned.
British companies played a vital role in Argentina's commercial development during the 19th century. The railways, food processing plant and many of the financial services were developed and managed by British firms. A wide range of UK manufactured goods was exported to Argentina and the UK in turn was a major destination for Argentine products.
Diplomatic relations were restored in 1990 after an 8-year gap following the Falklands conflict. In 2007, the 25th anniversary of the conflict was commemorated with events in London and Stanley as well as in Argentina. Since 1990, South Atlantic issues have been discussed with the Argentine Government under a 'sovereignty umbrella' arrangement, which allows the UK and Argentina to protect their respective positions on sovereignty while seeking to make progress on practical matters of common interest such as fisheries and de-mining. The British Government has no doubts about its sovereignty over the Falkland Islands, and the principle of self determination, enshrined by the UN charter, underlies our position. The British Government view is that there can be no negotiations over sovereignty unless and until such a time as the Falkland Islanders so wish. The British Government remains committed to the right of the Falkland Islanders to determine their own future. 02 April 2012 was the 30th Anniversary of the Falkland Island conflict.
There is a strong British cultural influence in Argentina and a large Argentine-British community around Buenos Aires. There is also a strong Welsh-speaking Argentine-Welsh community in Chubut, Patagonia. Argentines made around 37,000 visits to the UK in 2008 with visits having increased by 16% in the last five years from 32,000 back in 2003.
The UK is the second destination globally for exports of Argentine wines, with sales in excess of 105 million US dollars in 2018. The Argentine Embassy’s Economic and Commercial Section helps British importers get in contact with Argentine companies, to match their interests and, at the same time, promote Argentine exports by providing lists of exporters, promoting trade missions and participating in different trade shows and organising events.
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