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Boris Johnson hails 'new chapter' in relations with Argentina as he unveils Falklands conflict memorial

Argentinean relatives of those who died in the Falklands conflict attend a ceremony at the San Carlos war memorial - LatinContent WO
Argentinean relatives of those who died in the Falklands conflict attend a ceremony at the San Carlos war memorial - LatinContent WO

Boris Johnson has hailed a "new chapter" in Britain's relationship with Argentina after Brexit as he attended a wreath-laying ceremony to honour those who died on both sides of the Falklands conflict.

The Foreign Secretary said links between the two sides have “come a long way” in recent years and highlighted the opportunities Brexit provides as he embarked on a trip to ‘reset’ the mood between the nations. 

At a visit to the Monumento a los caidos en Malvinas - the Monument to the Fallen In the Falklands - in the capital Buenos Aires, Mr Johnson welcomed a “new chapter” in the relationship and hailed “great progress” made so far. 

He is the first British foreign secretary to visit the country since 1993 and the trip marks what the UK hopes will be a new constructive partnership and a chance to reset the relationship after a number of difficult years following the conflict in 1982.

Boris Johnson, Foreign Secretary
Boris Johnson, Foreign Secretary

The Falklands are still claimed by Argentina, but since his election as president in 2015, Mauricio Macri has significantly dialled down rhetoric on the issue, and Mr Johnson is hoping that it will not prove a bone of contention during his two day visit, instead hailing the “progress” that has been made so far.

Anglo-Argentine relations were thrust into the deep freeze for more than a decade by the approach of Mr Macri's predecessors Nestor Kirchner and Cristina Kirchner, who used the islands as a distraction from Argentina's economic woes.

The monument honours the memory of the 649 Argentine troops who died in the conflict following the invasion of the British territories in the south Atlantic.

But, significantly, Mr Johnson’s wreath will honour all those who died and the Argentinian chief cabinet minister will reciprocate by laying a wreath at St Paul’s Cathedral in June.

The Falklands War, in pictures
The Falklands War, in pictures

Speaking as he landed in Argentina the foreign secretary said: “The relationship between the UK and Argentina has come a long way over the past few years and this visit will be an opportunity to build on and enhance ever closer co-operation on trade, investment, cultural ties, tackling corruption and organised crime, and increasing links in science and technology.

“As the UK leaves the European Union, my message is that the UK is open for business. I look forward to a new chapter in our relationship, and booming trade prospects, after the UK leaves the European Union.”

Mr Johnson will meet with the Argentinian president and foreign minister and will also attend the G20 summit on behalf of Britain where talks will focus on global development.

It follows his trip to Peru for the first leg of the South America trip where Mr Johnson signed a number of agreements to work more closely with the country after Brexit. 

He also visited a school in the Amazon where he danced with children and teachers.