Chile, Argentina vow to address row over
natural gas supply
Chilean President Ricardo Lagos and his
Argentine counterpart, Nestor Kirchner, pledged joint efforts on Monday
to solve problems caused by the cut in Argentina's natural gas supply
and reaffirmed their willingness to boost ties.
Lagos told the press that he had straightforward and friendly talks with
Kirchner, which had "enriched and reinforced our links."
He said they reviewed the issue over Argentine natural gas supply, which
generates a fourth of the country's electricity.
"Chile does not want to be part of the problem, rather, it wants to be
part of the solution," Lagos said, adding that his country would like to
have more economic cooperation with Argentina.
Citing a recent aviation agreement between the two countries as an
example, Lagos said their economic ties are not limited to natural gas
supply. With the agreement, Argentine airliners will be able to fly in
Chile and Chilean airlines would soon be operating in Argentina, he
said.
Kirchner, who arrived here Monday for a two-day official visit, blamed
private companies for the supply cut.
"The excellent relations kept by Chile and Argentina do not mean there
are no differences," he said, adding: "What matters is having the will
to peacefully solve the problems."
Foreign ministers of the two countries also inked cooperation agreements
in justice, education, culture and health.
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