PM draws a line under Falklands War with historic Argentina visit
Theresa May has made a huge gesture of friendship to Argentina by becoming the first ever British PM to visit Buenos Aires
THERESA May drew a line under the Falklands War by becoming the first ever British PM to visit Buenos Aires - and calling for closer ties with Argentina.
She will announce the first ever trade envoy for the country on Friday - which still lays claim to the islands.
And meeting President Mauricio Macri at the G20, the PM will call for closer cooperation on trade and security.
It comes just days after the Government announced only the second commercial flight from the Falklands to Latin America - a service to Sao Paolo in Brazil, stopping off at Cordoba, Argentina’s second biggest city.
The move upset islanders who fear it will dramatically increase Argentina’s “influence”.
But speaking ahead of the visit, the PM said it was time to “build on strong links” with Argentina.
She said: “British energy companies are on the ground in Argentina, while financial services firms support the funding of these projects to expand Argentinian infrastructure.
“In my discussions with President Macri, we will be exploring how we can develop this further for the prosperity of both our countries.”
The PM’s official spokesman dismissed any idea the UK would change its position on the Falklands - after the huge row over granting Spain a veto over Gibraltar in EU trade talks.
He said: “Our position on the Falklands is absolutely clear and is not going to change.
“It is very important part of the UK's overseas territories and we are proud for it to be so.”
The Falklands War lasted ten weeks in 1982, when Argentina invaded the islands in attempt to establish sovereignty.
Margaret Thatcher sent a naval task force to take them back.
Some 649 Argentines and 255 British troops lost their lives.
Tony Blair briefly visited Argentina in 2001 during a trip to Brazil.
Three years ago, David Cameron told ex Argentine President Cristina Kirchner to stop “threatening” residents on the islands after Buenos Aires made a fresh claim on the islands.
Then Argentinian foreign minister Hector Timmerman claimed UK backed oil ventures around the South Atlantic islands were “illegal”.
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