CFK: 'The South Atlantic must be kept free from militarization'

President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner highlighted today the importance of keeping the South Atlantic region as "an area of peace, free of militarization,” during her speech before the National Assembly of Angola today. The leader also thanked the African country for its “permanent support for Argentina’s sovereign claim” regarding the Malvinas islands.

“We form part of the South Atlantic and we need to maintain it as an area of peace, and free of militarization,” Fernández de Kirchner stated.

Earlier today, Fernández de Kirchner attended a bilateral meeting with the President of Angola, José Eduardo Dos Santos, before speaking before the National Assembly at the Presidential Palace in Luana.

During the meeting with the Angolan president, President Fernández de Kirchner highlighted the “magnificent opportunity” Argentina and Angola had in coming together on future business transactions, particularly in the face of the global financial crisis.

The last appointment on her schedule will be a visit to the trade fair where 400 Argentine businessmen will exhibit their products, accompanied by the Agricultural Ministry and the ANMAT and INCAA, with the aim of attracting investments and generating sales.

The fair is a continuation of the trade mission held in March when Domestic Trade Secretary Guillermo Moreno visited. Moreno, this time accompanied by Foreign Trade Secretary Beatriz Paglieri, arrived yesterday morning at 5am.

For the over 400 businessmen participating, “there will be 150 stands on show with products from all sectors of the economy,” said Paglieri, adding that “there will also be spaces for those who did not rent a stand to present their business.”

The President travelled to Angola accompanied by Foreign Minister Héctor Timerman, Industry Minister Débora Giorgi, Agricultural Minister Norberto Yahuar, governors Sergio Urribarri (Entre Ríos), José Luis Gioja (San Juan) and Jorge Alperovich (Tucumán), along with other politicians.