Ambassador
Close Window
Representative Rubén Hinojosa, Representative Paul Ryan, Minister Chief of Cabinet Mr. Sergio Massa, Representative Gregory Meeks and Ambassador Wayne
Ambassador Event
AMBASSADOR WAYNE AND A CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION HEADED BY REPRESENTATIVE MEEKS HOLD A SERIES OF OFFICAL MEETINGS IN BUENOS AIRES
December 17, 2008
Members of the Foreign Relations Comittee and the U.S.-Argentina Congressional Friendship Caucus of the Argentine Congress received a Congressional Delegation from the United States on December 17, headed by Representative Gregory Meeks (D-NY). The Delegation also includes Representative Ruben Hinojosa (D-TX), and Representative Paul Ryan (R-WI), along with the Representative Meeks’ Chief Advisor, Ms. Sophia King. Ambassador Wayne also participated in the meeting.
“The visit of Representative Meeks and his delegation reaffirms the will of the United States Government and its people to learn first hand the realities of the peoples of the region to define and deepen joint activities that continue enhancing our ties,” said Ambassador Wayne, who accompanied the U.S. delegation during its visit to the Argentine Congress.
“Argentina is clearly an important partner in this region and we look forward to deepening our relationship,” commented Representative Meeks.
During the meeting, which lasted an hour, the Argentine deputies made a brief presentation on the most relevant initiatives that were worked on during the year, the bills to which they would like to give priority in the following legislative session and expectations for next year’s elections. In addition, they discussed the international situation, especially the need to address the effects of the economic crisis, and the challenges and possibilities that President-elect Barack Obama’s new government will have with respect to the region and Argentina, in particular. The Argentine Congresspersons said they would develop a working agenda for 2009 which they could present to the U.S. counterparts for discussion.
Later in the day, Ambassador Wayne accompanied a congressional delegation led by Representative Gregory Meeks, Democrat of New York, to a meeting at Casa Rosada with Minister Chief of Cabinet Sergio Massa. The congressmen reviewed with Minister Massa key elements of the strong bilateral relationship between the United States and Argentina and new areas for cooperation. "Our visitors are gathering information to prepare not just the legislative agenda for the next Congress of the United States of America, but also to formulate recommendations for the new president who will take office on January 20. We are thankful to Minister Massa for sharing his thoughts and recommendations," said Ambassador Wayne after the meeting.
In addition, at midday, Ambassador Wayne and the Congressional Delegation attended a lunch organized by the American Chamber of Commerce of the United States in Argentina (AmCham). Many of the companies that participated at the lunch have a presence in the states represented by the visiting members of Congress. “Meeting with AmCham member companies is an excellent way for US Congressmen to understand the long history and significant impact US companies have in Argentina, and to discuss how the full potential of our bilateral commercial relationship can be realized,” Ambassador Wayne mentioned after the lunch.
“I am pleased to learn about the rich history of bilateral commercial relations and congratulate AmCham on the 90th anniversary in Argentina,” noted Congressman Meeks. The Congressmen noted the active role of many US firms in corporate social responsibility efforts, and the high marks that US firms receive in the “50 Best Places to Work in Argentina” and “100 Most Admired Companies in Argentina.”
In the evening, Ambassador Wayne hosted a reception for the Congressional Delegation.
