Blinken: US wants to expand energy partnership with Argentina

(Keystone SDA) Given Argentina's great potential in the renewable energy sector, the United States wants to expand its partnership with the South American country. “Argentina plays an important role in building supply chains for important minerals that will power the economy of the 21st century, especially lithium,” US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said in Buenos Aires on Friday. America was looking for new investment opportunities and projects. “These collaborations will create good jobs, strengthen our competitiveness and facilitate the transition to a more flexible climate future.”

Argentina has large reserves of lithium, which is needed to make batteries for electric cars, for example. “One of the most important sectors for our shared future, indeed one of the most important sectors for the entire planet, is clean energy,” Blinken said. He earlier held talks with Argentine President Javier Mili and several cabinet members. Since taking office in December, Miley, head of the ultra-liberal government, has been trying to open up Argentina's previously heavily regulated economy.