MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Departing US ambassador in Buenos Aires praises strengthened relations with Argentina

Ambassador Vilma Martinez spoke about satellite-collaboration but no word about the ongoing trade disputes

Amidst Independence Day celebrations, US ambassador in Argentina Vilma Martínez bid farewell to her post after almost four years in office, assuring that the relationship between both countries “has been strengthened.”

“I came to Argentina to promote President Barack Obama’s vision to strengthen a new kind of commitment with the world, a foreign policy based on joint growth and shared responsibility,” she said in a speech at the Official Residence of US ambassadors.

She said that during her time in Argentina, both countries “strengthened the bilateral relationship by identifying and collaborating in areas of mutual interest,” and praised the recent visit of NASA officer Charles Bolden who met with Cristina Fernández in order to launch a satellite into space.

Martínez also formally introduced her replacement, charge d’affairs Kevin Sullivan, until Obama appoints a new ambassador in Buenos Aires.

During a brief conversation with the media, Sullivan said he was “happy to be here again.” Sullivan worked in the embassy’s economic department 15 years ago.

Domestic Trade Secretary Guillermo Moreno said that ambassador Martínez did a very good job during her time here and assured that they were both linked by a relationship of “respect and friendship.”