Ambassador

Ambassador's Speech

REMARKS BY AMBASSADOR WAYNE AT SIGNING BILATERAL AVIATION AGREEMENT

Sala Verde, Palacio San Martín
July 3, 2007

Mr. Minister, Mr. Secretary Meyer, Mr. Under Secretary Cirielli, other distinguished guests.  It is an honor to be here today, and in such a beautiful place as the Palacio San Martín for an event so important for the U.S. and Argentina.

This aviation agreement that we are signing today will bring about expanded air service between our two nations, and marks yet another milestone for both our people.  What better symbol of the ties that bind us – the links of family, friends, academia, culture, investment, trade, common history and common values – than this agreement that allows such exchanges to come about?  Every year, about 500,000 Argentines and Americans visit each others’ nations to share such common interests.

Upon signing this agreement, we will immediately increase the number of weekly flights allowed between Argentina and the United States, from 56 to 77 and, by March 2009, will double to 112.  This agreement will also increase from five to 14 the number of U.S. cities Argentine airlines may serve, and will also significantly expand the route rights for Argentine carriers on their U.S.-connected flights to destinations in Canada, the Caribbean, Central America, Mexico, Europe and Asia.  It will allow an unlimited number of charter flights between the two countries.

For Argentina in particular, this marks an important agreement for its dynamic tourism industry.  Argentina is enjoying a tourism boom, as people all over the world get to know the remarkable people, culture and scenery of Argentina.  Argentina received yet another record in terms of tourist arrivals in 2006, about 4.5 million visitors, of which about 300,000 were U.S. citizens -- a number that we should easily exceed with the increase in flights that we are authorizing today.

Of course, we do hope more Argentines will visit the U.S. with the completion of this agreement, and I believe that there is a great potential to create new jobs in both countries as a result of this agreement.  I am also pleased that this agreement also includes an important chapter on aviation security, so important in our modern world.  

Once again, Mr. Minister, thank you so much for this opportunity to be here, and congratulations on this very important agreement.