President Lula, Buenos Aires governor discuss cooperation
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva met with Axel Kicillof, governor of Buenos Aires province, at the Planalto presidential palace in Brasília, on Tuesday (Aug. 13). The discussion focused on exploring opportunities for cooperation and investment between the Argentine province and Brazilian government and companies.
“We presented investment proposals. Brazilian companies operating in Argentina are particularly focused on Buenos Aires province. This province accounts for about 40 percent of Argentina's total production and 50 percent of its industrial output,” Kicillof said following his meeting with Lula.
The governor of Buenos Aires province is one of the main local political opponents of Argentina's President Javier Milei. He previously served as Economy Minister under President Cristina Kirchner and was re-elected to the governorship last year in the first round.
“During my previous term, I visited São Paulo and accompanied Argentine companies there. We discussed this experience and see numerous opportunities. We strongly believe that one of the most important keys for each of our countries lies in regional integration,” he said, stressing his interest in strengthening ties with Brazil's productive sectors.
Kicillof expressed strong interest in expanding cooperation in the energy and oil sectors, as well as exploring investment opportunities in the province's gas industry.
The governor also declared his support for Argentina's inclusion in the Brics group, which currently comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, along with Egypt, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates. The latter five countries have been part of the group since January 2024.
Argentina was also set to join the bloc, but even before the agreement came into force, Javier Milei announced his decision to withdraw from membership.
"Lula plays a very significant role both regionally and internationally within the Brics. It seems to me that he provides valuable insights and perspectives, demonstrating that the opportunities are not merely about political or ideological alliances but about what is best for the country," he stated.
Kicillof also addressed the situation in Argentina under Javier Milei’s government and complained about issues such as the suspension of fund transfers to the provinces, which are provided for by law, cuts in investment for government programs, halted public works, and reductions in pensions.
