Russian President Dmitry Medvedev arrived in Buenos Aires on Wednesday, the first visit by a Russian head of state to Argentina, touting Moscow’s drive to expand its presence and influence in Latin America.
“Russia has come back to South America,” Medvedev said at a news conference with Argentine President Cristina Kirchner. “In my view, all global major players should be present in Latin America. So I hope no one is hurt by this and if they are hurt, we couldn’t care less.”
Medvedev, who arrived following a nuclear summit in Washington, earlier talked up business opportunities for both countries at a session with Argentine business leaders, expressing hope trade would grow after a 30 percent downturn during the global financial crisis.
The two countries signed deals on nuclear energy, trade, space, transportation and sports.
“The world has changed … We are no longer a back yard of any state,” Kirchner said in reference to the US.
The Kremlin said in a statement that Russia was keen to diversify its trade with Argentina, which stood at just US$2 billion dollars in 2008 and is largely limited to meat, fruit and mineral fertilizers.
Russia and Argentina are considering cooperation in oil and gas and shipbuilding, with Moscow also hoping to sell arms to Buenos Aires.
“Argentina remains one of our largest Latin American partners and I am confident we will be able to fill the gaps that emerged because of the global financial crisis through new projects,” Medvedev told the business leaders.
Argentina has expressed interest in Russia’s air defense systems and aircraft, as well as vessels and helicopters that could help the country with its Antarctic program, the Kremlin said.
Argentine Foreign Minister Jorge Taiana told local radio the two countries would sign more than 10 agreements during Medvedev’s visit, which he said marked “the first time in 125 years” of bilateral relations that a Russian head of state has visited Argentina.
A dinner in his honor was to be held at the opulent San Martin Palace to crown Medvedev’s trip to the country.
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