Argentina, January 7, 2011

Today, the Argentine foreign minister Héctor Timerman received Almagro, the Uruguayan Foreign Minister. At the meeting, they discussed various aspects of the installation of a new pulp mill located in Colonia, near the Rio de la Plata.

Timerman stressed after the meeting that “Almagro said the installation of the plant complies with the Treaty of Rio de la Plata, which Uruguay and Argentina signed in 2008″. Argentina therefore does not have to give permission to install a plant if it complies with the treaty.

“The changes applied to the plant will be informed to the Administrative Commission of the Río de la Plata” Timerman said.

He also reported that during the meeting were discussed the relations between the two countries, which he described as “deep and important”. The Argentine foreign minister confirmed another meeting scheduled for March, and then another between Cristina Kirchner and José Mujica.

On the other hand, Almagro said the changes have to do with “a couple of technical changes” and mentioned for example the entry of previously debarked wood to reduce waste streams”.

He stressed that the number of chimneys to be installed will be less than those that were installed in Fray Bentos.

Through a communiqué, both foreign ministers stressed that “Under the Treaty of Rio de la Plata and its Maritime Front, among with the friendship and transparency prevailing in relations between the two Governments, which was ratified at the Presidential Meeting Anchorena June 2, 2010, Uruguay will constantly inform Argentina of all relevant updates through the Administrative Commission of the Río de la Plata”.

The meeting was also attended by Minister of Industry, Energy and Mining of Uruguay, Roberto Kreimerman.

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