US President Donald Trump has assured his Argentinian counterpart Mauricio Macri to help defend the financial crisis in the South American country. "Argentina has long been a strategic partner of the United States and an important ally outside NATO," the White House said.
Trump spoke to Macri on Tuesday morning - and confidence in the leadership qualities of the Argentine president, the statement goes on to say. Advocate and support Macri's negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to strengthen Argentina's monetary and economic policies and master the country's current challenge.
Argentina had only introduced a general export tax on Monday to cover the high budget deficit. After a strong loss of value of the peso, head of state Macri demanded a contribution of exporters to overcome the current financial crisis. The Argentine currency has lost more than 70 percent of its value against the dollar over the past five months.
Lagarde: progress in negotiations with Argentina
Argentina's president confirmed the launch of new negotiations with the IMF to secure funding for the 2019 government commitments. The IMF had already promised the country $ 50 billion in aid in June. At the end of August, Argentina had asked for early payment of the aid.
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Dujovne and Lagarde in Washington
Economy Minister Nicolas Dujovne met with IMF head Christine Lagarde in Washington on Tuesday to discuss it. Lagarde said after the meeting that both sides had started discussing how the IMF could best help the country in the face of the situation. Progress has been made and discussions will continue at the working level. Dujovne said he hopes for an IMF commitment in the second half of September.