MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Argentina and Mexico agree relations are “excellent”

Diplomatic heat between Argentina and Mexico triggered by verbal exchanges from presidents Nestor Kirchner and Vicente Fox soothed Wednesday following a joint release from both Foreign Affairs ministries describing the bilateral relation as “excellent”, trusting links will continue to strengthen in all fields.

Argentina's Rafael Bielsa and Mexico's Luis Ernesto Derbez coincided in highlighting the importance of the bilateral relation and "expressed the interest of their governments in continuing to dialogue on issues of mutual interest".

The joint communiqué released at mid day acknowledges that although when complex issues are discussed there's room "for differences", this does not alter the "the excellent level of a relation" which characterizes that of Argentina with Mexico.

The two countries foreign affairs officials "talked amply" about recent statements "both in Mexico and Argentina" regarding the Americas Summit which took place in Mar del Plata last November 4/5.

The joint release is expected to put an end to the controversy which emerged following Mexican president Fox's statements criticizing his Argentine counterpart for his role during the Mar del Plata summit.

"He seemed more intent in satisfying Argentine public opinion and the image of the Argentine president than acting as a host committed to achieving a successful summit in terms of Latinamerica integration", Mr. Fox was quoted in the Mexican media.

Mr. Kirchner replied immediately from Buenos Aires recommending President Fox "to look after Mexico" and "I'll look after Argentina which voted me president".

During the summit Mr. Fox was one of the strongest supporters of the US sponsored Free Trade Area of the Americas, FTAA, which was questioned by Argentina, the other full members of Mercosur and Venezuela. However the remaining 28 countries at the summit plus the US openly supported the idea of resuming FTAA negotiations.

In Mexico City Mr. Fox came under heavy flak from Congress dominated by the opposition which accused him of acting as "a pawn and protector of US interests", a "most unfortunate role for a Mexican president".

The president of the Lower House warned that all future requests from president Fox to travel overseas will be "double checked" because his "verbal exuberance is excessive and can cause serious damage to the country".

"If the issue was to divide Latinamerica, Mexico with Fox was very successful", blasted Rosario Green chairwoman of the main opposition party and former ambassador in Buenos Aires.

However President Fox', spokesperson Ruben Aguilar argued that "Mexico had shown a modern attitude" in Mar del Plata with clear leadership and opening to the "world's new realities".

Relations with Argentina are "splendid" with no hard feelings, and have shown how mature democracies can get along.

"We believe it was a good summit and with positive results for Mexican foreign policy", insisted Mr. Aguilar.