Dmitri Medvedev makes first visit by Russian president to Argentina, talks nuclear energy

Russian president on trade mission to Argentina

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Dmitry Medvedev on Wednesday used the first-ever visit by a Russian president to Argentina to urge the countries to boost economic ties and cooperate more on nuclear energy.

Medvedev arrived accompanied by a planeload of business executives, politicians and scientists on a South American trip that will also see him head next to Brazil for a summit of emerging powers.

At a business seminar, the Russian president said the 2009 financial meltdown affected trade between the countries. But he added that “Argentina has been one of our main partners in Latin America and I’m sure we are going to fill the holes created during the crisis.”

Medvedev met with Argentine President Cristina Fernandez and the leaders signed about a dozen agreements on issues ranging from space technology to nuclear energy and offshore oil exploration.

Russian officials expressed special interest in cooperating on developing nuclear power for peaceful purposes, Argentine Foreign Minister Jorge Taiana said.

Argentina had a positive trade balance with Russia last year of $705 million — much of it thanks to beef exports.

It was the first visit by a Russian president to Argentina in 125 years of bilateral relations, including during the time of the former Soviet Union.