This can prove to be an interesting twist for Britain.
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Russia and Argentina nurtured a flourishing relationship on Thursday as their presidents met in the Kremlin.
Vladimir Putin and Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner signed a “strategic partnership” that included oil and gas deals, plans for Russian funding of a hydropower facility and an agreement for Russia to help build a nuclear power plant in the South American country.
Mrs Kirchner wants Britain out of the Falklands – or Malvinas as the Argentines call them – while Mr Putin sees London as a motor behind EU sanctions on Russia over the Ukraine crisis.
Russia's leader took a lengthy Latin American tour last year to demonstrate his global reach as Moscow's relations with the US and the EU reached a post-Cold War low.
Through ties with Brazil, Cuba and Argentina the Kremlin wants to show it can survive with economic partners and political friends outside the Western sphere.
There have been rumours, never substantiated, that Russia is working on a deal to lease 12 long-range bombers to Argentina in exchange for beef and wheat to beat EU sanctions over Ukraine.
The UK announced a £180m plan to strengthen its military presence in the Falklands last month, partly in response to the reports. Michael Fallon, the Defence Secretary, said the bombers deal had never been confirmed but added: "It is a very live threat, we have to respond to it."
Daniel Filmus, Argentina's secretary on Malvinas affairs, denied the bombers-for-beef arrangement with Moscow to the Telegraph last week.
Asked if he could confirm that Argentina had never spoken to Russia about leasing planes, he replied: "Absolutely. I confirmed it with the defence minister. He laughed. Even the Russians said 'We wish!'".
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Cristina Kirchner and Vladimir Putin cuddle up over oil and bitter feelings for Britain - Telegraph
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Russia and Argentina nurtured a flourishing relationship on Thursday as their presidents met in the Kremlin.
Vladimir Putin and Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner signed a “strategic partnership” that included oil and gas deals, plans for Russian funding of a hydropower facility and an agreement for Russia to help build a nuclear power plant in the South American country.
Mrs Kirchner wants Britain out of the Falklands – or Malvinas as the Argentines call them – while Mr Putin sees London as a motor behind EU sanctions on Russia over the Ukraine crisis.
Russia's leader took a lengthy Latin American tour last year to demonstrate his global reach as Moscow's relations with the US and the EU reached a post-Cold War low.
Through ties with Brazil, Cuba and Argentina the Kremlin wants to show it can survive with economic partners and political friends outside the Western sphere.
There have been rumours, never substantiated, that Russia is working on a deal to lease 12 long-range bombers to Argentina in exchange for beef and wheat to beat EU sanctions over Ukraine.
The UK announced a £180m plan to strengthen its military presence in the Falklands last month, partly in response to the reports. Michael Fallon, the Defence Secretary, said the bombers deal had never been confirmed but added: "It is a very live threat, we have to respond to it."
Daniel Filmus, Argentina's secretary on Malvinas affairs, denied the bombers-for-beef arrangement with Moscow to the Telegraph last week.
Asked if he could confirm that Argentina had never spoken to Russia about leasing planes, he replied: "Absolutely. I confirmed it with the defence minister. He laughed. Even the Russians said 'We wish!'".
...
Cristina Kirchner and Vladimir Putin cuddle up over oil and bitter feelings for Britain - Telegraph