Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Triangular Cooperation between the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Directorate General of International Cooperation of the Argentine Republic

(Pretoria, South Africa) Argentine Ambassador Javier Figueroa in representation of the Directorate General of International Cooperation of the Republic of Argentina and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), Southern Africa Director John Groarke signed a Memorandum of Understanding on April 26, 2018 to work as partners to further development in Southern Africa. In the signing ceremony at the official residence of the Argentine Ambassador, USAID Mission Director Groarke welcomed the new partnership.

“This agreement will allow USAID and the cooperation agency of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Argentina to leverage their skills, expertise, and funds to overcome challenges to development in Southern Africa. Working together, we can accomplish much in critical areas such as health, food security, and climate change,” Groarke said.  Ambassador Figueroa stressed that this new partnership will allow both institutions and both countries to broaden their visions and think outside the box. He affirmed his belief in the new alliance, considering it to be instrumental for reducing food insecurity through sustainable agriculture, increasing the use of renewable and clean energy sources, supporting biodiversity, and treating regional health issues, such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria.

Finally, Ambassador Figueroa called attention to the fact that next year, Argentina will host an event with the United Nations to celebrate the 40 years of The Buenos Aires Action Plan, the visionary program that gave South-South Cooperation a spirit of its own, and stressed that this agreement will be a valuable step toward the goals identified in the Action Plan. He expressed hope that the new agreement will demonstrate the value of international alliances in pursuing sustainable development.

After signing the MOU, Ambassador Figueroa hosted a reception to celebrate the new partnership.

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