President Donald Trump hosted Argentine President Mauricio Macri at the White House on April 27.
Trump and Macri have known each other for more than 30 years.
“We’ve known each other for—long prior to politics. And who would have thought this was going to happen? For both of us,” said Trump. “I know the kind of person he is. He’s a great person and he’s a great leader. He will do a fantastic job for Argentina and I feel very comfortable backing him, because they need certain things from the United States.”
One issue they will discuss is the halting of lemon imports from Argentina to the United States. The previous administration had lifted a 16-year ban on Argentine lemons, but Trump issued a stay on the decision when he took office.
“Believe it or not, the lemon business is a big, big business. We’re going to give that serious consideration. One of the reasons that he’s here is about lemons. I’ll tell him about North Korea and he’ll tell me about lemons. I think we’re going to be very favorably disposed,” said Trump.
Trump praised Macri’s leadership in implementing political and economic reforms.
“Under his leadership Argentina has taken on a growing and positive role in our hemisphere and long beyond our hemisphere. President Macri has also implemented significant political and economic reforms that have improves his country’s environment for investment, trade and long-term economic development,” he said.
Trump said he may be attending the G-20 summit next year in Buenos Aires.
Two leaders made a joint commitment to human rights, democracy, and the fight against terrorism and organized crime.
“I promised him that we’re going to strengthen our partnership to combat narcotics trafficking, money laundering, terrorist financing, and corruption,” said Trump.
“This is a marvelous moment for us to definitely work together, with an Argentina that is again wanting to be part of the world stage, to give its humble support for a solution to global problems,” said Macri.
Macri said Argentina’s economy will grow 3.5 percent in 2017, driven by fresh investment as the country recovers from recession and stubbornly high inflation.
Macri has negotiated several pro-business reforms in Argentina in an effort to bolster its fragile economy.
