Argentina–Cape Verde Relations
Overview
Argentina and Cape Verde established diplomatic relations on July 5, 1975, immediately after Cape Verde's independence. Despite the geographical distance across the Atlantic Ocean, the two countries have cooperated on international stages such as the United Nations and the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP). Argentina maintains a resident embassy in Cape Verde, while Cape Verde's embassy in Brasília is concurrently accredited to Argentina. Economic exchanges are modest, but fisheries cooperation and cultural exchanges are gradually expanding.
Main Content
Diplomatic Relations
- Background of Diplomatic Ties: At the time of Cape Verde's independence in 1975, Argentina was under a military regime, but as part of its non-aligned foreign policy, it valued relations with newly independent nations. After the official establishment of diplomatic relations on July 5, 1975, high-level exchanges between the two countries began in the 1980s.
- Key Diplomatic Events: In 2010, Argentine President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner visited Cape Verde and signed an economic cooperation agreement. In 2019, the Cape Verdean Foreign Minister visited Argentina to discuss fisheries and maritime cooperation.
- Cooperation on the International Stage: At the United Nations, both countries maintain a common stance on climate change and sustainable development, cooperating particularly on marine protection and fisheries resource management. Cape Verde maintains a neutral position on Argentina's claim to the Falkland Islands (Malvinas Islands) but supports a resolution through dialogue.
Economic Relations
- Trade Volume: As of 2023, bilateral trade amounted to approximately $5 million, with Argentine exports accounting for the majority. Main export items include meat, grains, and machinery, while Argentina primarily imports fish and salt from Cape Verde.
- Investment: Argentine investment in Cape Verde is minimal, but joint venture possibilities in the fisheries sector are under discussion. Cape Verde is making efforts to attract Argentine capital for tourism infrastructure development.
- Fisheries Cooperation: In 2015, the two countries signed a fisheries agreement allowing Argentine vessels to operate in Cape Verde's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). This agreement provides Cape Verde with fisheries royalty revenue and grants Argentina access to fishing grounds in the central Atlantic.
Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges
- Diaspora: The Cape Verdean Argentine community is estimated at around 2,000 people, mainly residing in Buenos Aires and Mar del Plata. They organize Cape Verdean cultural festivals and serve as a cultural bridge between the two countries.
- Language: Cape Verde's official language is Portuguese, but its similarity to Argentine Spanish reduces language barriers. Both countries promote cultural exchanges through the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP).
- Education: The Argentine government provides scholarships for Cape Verdean students to study at Argentine universities. In 2022, 30 Cape Verdean students majored in medicine and engineering in Argentina.
Other Cooperation
- Tourism: The number of Argentine tourists visiting Cape Verde is on the rise, with approximately 1,500 visitors in 2023. Cape Verde offers visa-free entry for Argentine citizens to encourage tourism.
- Technical Cooperation: Argentina provides technical assistance for Cape Verde's renewable energy projects. In 2021, a feasibility study for the construction of a solar power plant was conducted.
Latest Trends
As of 2024, bilateral relations remain stable, but expanding economic exchanges is a key challenge. In March 2024, the Argentine Ministry of Foreign Affairs renewed the fisheries agreement with Cape Verde, extending it until 2029. In 2025, a visit to Argentina by Cape Verdean President José Maria Neves is scheduled, during which trade and investment agreements are expected to be signed. Additionally, Cape Verde has reaffirmed its neutral stance on Argentina's Falkland Islands issue while supporting a resolution through dialogue. Recently, a joint research project on climate change response has been launched, focusing on marine ecosystem protection and sustainable fisheries.
Related Topics
- [[Foreign relations of Argentina]]
- [[Foreign relations of Cape Verde]]
- [[Community of Portuguese Language Countries]]
- [[Fisheries agreement]]
- [[South Atlantic cooperation]]
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