The United States and Argentina sealed a major trade deal on the first day of President Barack Obama's visit Wednesday, bolstering the efforts of his counterpart to end a decade-and-a-half of international financial isolation. After talks in Buenos Aires between Obama and new President Mauricio Macri, the White House announced the signature of the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement and support for Argentina's full participation in the IMF and other key international financial institutions.
Macri won elections in November, ending 12 years of leftist and crisis-ridden rule by the late Nestor Kirchner and his wife Cristina who revelled in political enmity with Washington. Obama is keen to help shore up the new president, spying a chance to put Argentina on a firmer financial footing and creating a new ally in the region.
"The United States welcomes President Macri's efforts to strengthen Argentina's ties to the international financial system and engage with multilateral economic fora," the White House said. The White House also announced that six trade delegations would visit Argentina and technical assistance to help support reforms.