Edward Prado: "The United States is determined to help and accompany Argentina"

The American ambbadador to Buenos Aires Edward Prado he does not make detours when he exposes on the bilateral relationship between the two countries: "The United States is determined to help and accompany Argentina in this way"says the envoy of Donald Trump in the country Not only that. He also described the bilateral link as "a positive and mature relationship" while considering Mauricio Macri's administration. "a strategic partner and a key ally".

But there is a yellow light that Prado turns on when we talk about bilateral relations. This type of warning has a name and a last name: it's called China. "China's growing presence is certainly a challenge for the region. China's efforts to adapt the rules to the comfort of its companies sometimes run counter to the interest we share with Argentina in maintaining a world order in terms of regulation."Ambbadador Prado told Infobae.

In addition, he stressed that "China's lack of adherence to the rules of transparency in its investments may affect the fight against corruption in the region".

Prado has been an appeal judge at the US Court of Appeals. Arrived less than a year ago in Argentina designated by Trump, he already feels like a porteño of more. In fact, he has visited much of the country with Maria, his Texan wife, and is an avid fan of roast and choripan.

During the exclusive interview with Infobae Ambbadador Prado spoke about everything: cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking, trade links, US financial aid to Argentina, personal relations between Tump and Macri, this year's cooperation projects, the country presidential elections and, of course, also mentioned the case of Venezuela in a clear way. "At this point, the United States and Argentina are also in agreement: Maduro must leave power," he said.

On the upcoming electoral future, Prado has chosen a very diplomatic definition. "Our goal is that the relationship we are working on today allows us to project a stable link for decades, regardless of which government governs," he said.

– How would you define the relevance of bilateral relations between the United States and Argentina?

– I often stress the chance that I had to be an ambbadador at the moment, because I am convinced that relations between our countries are stronger than ever. It is a positive and mature relationship that has been consolidated in recent years, based on shared values ​​and interests. In recent times, we have received in Argentina President Trump, Vice President Pence and many members of his cabinet at an unprecedented event. We also visited a parliamentary group with Republican and Democrat representatives, clearly showing that our support does not find differences between the parties. At the same time, many Argentine officials visited my country.
All the while, the support of the United States to Argentina has been undeniable, has been repeatedly voiced by the President himself and by other members of his administration. All our efforts at the Embbady are determined to continue on this path in order to continue strengthening ties. As President Trump has said, Argentina is a strategic partner of the United States, a key ally. We see the country as a leader in the region and for this reason we work together not only on bilateral issues, but also on issues of global concern.

– What do you think Argentina and the United States should do to exert more pressure on Venezuela so that it rebuilds democracy in this country? What roads should be taken now?

Argentina has shown tremendous leadership in this area and we are honored to be at your side for the well being of the Venezuelan people. But it is truly an international movement that goes beyond the US and Argentina's vision. Defenders of human rights and democracy around the world have expressed, without a doubt, that change must affect the Venezuelan people and must take place now. There is a very important international consensus on this issue, in which the United States and Argentina are also in agreement: Maduro must leave power. More than 40 countries have already recognized the interim government of Venezuela. The recent declaration of the Lima Group in Canada makes it clear that it is important to help Juan Guaidó lead the transition while waiting for free and fair elections. Like Argentina, we want a peaceful return to democracy and prosperity, and we understand that this will only happen if the government respects human rights and freedom. . The United States and the international community share the obligation to consider all the tools available to help the Venezuelan people. That is why the Lima Group has been evaluating alternatives in Ottawa to enhance cooperation with interim government officials and humanitarian badistance to alleviate the plight of a people who have seen millions of people leave because of the difficulties he faces.

– What badessment do you make and what does President Donald Trump say about the results of the G20 summit held in Argentina?

-I believe that the ability of the Argentine government to conduct this event in an impeccable way should be highlighted. From the beginning, we had confidence in the ability of Argentina to achieve the G20 summit, the first in South America. We have expressed it several times and it is thus that we have informed the Argentine Government that we have offered all the cooperation within our reach. After a year of more than 50 G-20 meetings and in light of the results of the leaders' summit, I think there is a consensus that Argentina has taken up this challenge. We are very impressed by the way Argentina chaired this group, which sees the country as a regional leader generating its own benefits, as well as by partner countries such as the United States. Before returning to Washington, President Trump told me that he was very pleased with his visit. And he asked me to convey this message to President Macri. At that time, President Trump was very comfortable with the friendly relations he has with President Macri and I think that helps to strengthen the ties between our countries. I am confident that these links will continue to be consolidated. Personally, I must say that I have always admired Argentina, even more so today. At the time of the G-20, the country was at the center of global attention and I think we all agree that they did an outstanding job.

– Do you think that the personal and friendly relationship between President Trump and Mauricio Macri was fundamental at the time of the conclusion of the agreements for the final document?

The friendship between the presidents has been very important for strengthening understanding between our countries, but their personal friendship is only part of the story. I believe that the link between our leaders has further strengthened a relationship that has been consolidating for some time. The strong and positive relationship goes beyond people even when they are presidents. We saw their personal chemistry during the meeting in Buenos Aires, but we also saw it during the development of the year on different topics. I think we are lucky that our leaders met so long ago. The contact they have maintained so far is very important, with regular meetings and calls to discuss many topics of common interest. And I'm sure it will continue to improve the relationship. But it is worth mentioning that we have a wide range of mutual interests that go beyond bilateral issues and touch on regional and global issues. We appreciate not only the leadership of President Macri, but also the cooperation we have with Argentina through many other institutional channels, such as the Parliamentary Friendship Group, which includes legislators from different parties .

– Is it possible that the truce that was sealed in Buenos Aires Trump and the president of China Xi Jinping for the trade war affect Argentina in relation to its world trade?

– President Trump and President Xi held a meeting in Buenos Aires that they described as creating a basis for dialogue around certain differences. As the world's leading economies, it is understandable that countries that have relations with the United States and China feel some kind of impact. The United States understands that the success of other countries is also good for our country. We are all winners when there are strong and stable markets. But for everyone to benefit, everyone must play with the same rules, respecting the principles of justice, transparency and reciprocity. The course of the negotiations with China will have to be carefully followed.

– What do you see as the central issues agreed at the Macri and Trump meetings to improve bilateral relations?

– President Trump and President Macri had a very productive meeting at Casa Rosada, where they discussed many issues on the agenda of the bilateral meeting. They discussed the reforms implemented by Argentina to promote development and economic growth, as well as the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela. The United States is committed to badisting and accompanying Argentina in this way, with the aim of developing trade between the two countries according to clear and reciprocal rules. In the context of the G-20, our countries have concluded a series of very important agreements that will undoubtedly strengthen their relations. Ministers Mnuchin and Dujovne signed an energy cooperation agreement, while the Corporation for Private Investment Abroad (CIPO) confirmed its support for six ambitious projects worth more than $ 800 million. dollars. attract up to $ 4 billion more in private investment. In addition, there are agreements on education, aviation and health. And also the opening of the meat markets. This progress is simultaneous with the steady growth of business investment in the United States in Argentina.

– Could the United States and Argentina strengthen their cooperation in the field of security to fight drug trafficking and terrorism in the region?

United States security cooperation with Argentina and other countries in the region is based on mutual interests and continues with the approval of the respective governments. Our cooperation with Argentina allows us to improve our collaboration, share our experiences and explore challenges.
There is no doubt that terrorism and drug trafficking are part of these challenges as global issues. Without going further, our two countries have suffered the attacks of international terrorism. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the AMIA bombing and the United States will continue to support the search for justice. With respect to the fight against drug trafficking, the United States has a wealth of experience that we want to share with our partners. We believe that Argentina can learn from this experience, with its successes and failures. We are happy to be able to work with Argentina to address these scourges in a common perspective that adapts to every reality. We see Argentina as an equal and reliable partner, and that's why we value your ideas and opinions.

– Does Argentina's close relationship with China involve a nuisance to the United States or strong competition in terms of trade, defense or regional security?

-We recognize and respect the sovereign right of any country to decide its diplomatic and economic relations, as can Argentina with China. But we also believe that investment and trade with all countries must respect appropriate levels of transparency, anti-corruption standards, sustainable debt, labor rights, good environmental practices and respect the needs and concerns of local communities. to ensure lasting benefits. While the United States continues to be the region's preferred partner in terms of trade and investment – and the largest international investor in Argentina – China's growing presence is certainly a challenge for the region. China's efforts to adapt the rules to the comfort of its companies sometimes run counter to the interest we share with Argentina in maintaining a world order in terms of regulation. In addition, China's lack of commitment to these transparency rules in its investments could have an impact on the fight against corruption in the region. The United States promotes free, fair and reciprocal trade. We support relationships that are compatible with open competition and transparency and that meet the high standards of good governance.

– The credits offered by the United States through the Corporation for Private Investment Abroad (OPIC, for its acronym in English) imply a new vote of confidence from the United States. US administration towards the Macri government?

-In fact, CIPO's announcements reflect US confidence in government-led reforms and this is reflected in many other actions. In particular, CIPO-supported projects in Argentina will contribute significantly to local growth and stability, as company president Ray Washburne explained during his visit. We are talking about projects in energy and infrastructure, areas that have a significant impact on logistics and value chains. This support marks CIPO's commitment to Argentina, which is identical to that expressed by the US government in many other ways.

– Do American businessmen or politicians fear a return of Cristina Kirchner to Argentina in 2019 that would tarnish bilateral relations again?

The United States is working to consolidate their long-term relationship with Argentina, a bond that is tightening and based on common values ​​and interests. Relations between countries go beyond their administrations, even when there are more or less coincidences between them. Argentina will have elections this year and we are confident that the process will proceed successfully. Our goal is that the relationship we are working on today allows us to project a stable link for decades, regardless of the government.

– Can the US include Argentine citizens in the visa waiver program next year?

– Like other countries, the United States is constantly reviewing its immigration policy to adapt to the needs of the situation at any time. In any case, it is an issue that has been addressed by our countries in other options and is intimately linked to security cooperation issues. The process in question involves several steps. Even, normally, meeting all the requirements for a country to qualify for the visa waiver program may take years. In fact, no country has joined the program since 2014. Moreover, the number of Argentines going to the United States and conversely testifies to a fluid exchange. In the United States, we like to receive Argentines; They are excellent visitors. The percentage of visas granted in the case of Argentines is greater than 95%. And just two years ago, Argentina was integrated into the Global Entry Program, which significantly accelerates the revenue of frequent pbadengers and is a resounding success.