Falklands row: How Boris Johnson attempted ‘new chapter’ with Argentina

BORIS JOHNSON tried to heal years of antagonism between the UK and Argentina when he was Foreign Secretary - but the newly elected Argentine president has implied he might put such relations at risk, according to newly-resurfaced reports.

Falkland Islands 'voted 99.8% to stay British' says Richard Hyslop

Mr Johnson has promised that the UK will leave the European Union with or without a deal by the end of 2020. As the deadline approaches, political commentators are reminded of a stark warning from Argentina’s former foreign minister Jorge Faurie in 2018. He said that Buenos Aires would use no deal to take back the Falkland Islands, or rather to enhance Argentina's claim to the archipelago.

The British Overseas Territory has been fought over between the UK and Argentina for years and resulted in the Falklands War of 1982.

However, it appeared to be water under the bridge when Mr Johnson visited Argentina and the then-President Mauricio Macri in 2018.

As the BBC revealed back in 2018, Mr Johnson was the first foreign secretary to visit Argentina in 25 years.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Argentine President Alberto Fernandez and Vice-President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner

Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Argentine President Alberto Fernandez and Vice-President Cristina Fern (Image: Getty)

Johnson promised a new chapter for UK-Argentine relations in 2018

Johnson promised a new chapter for UK-Argentine relations in 2018 (Image: Getty)

The article revealed: “Mr Johnson will seek to take advantage of the improvements in relations with Buenos Aires since President Mauricio Macri came to power in 2015.

“Mr Macri has talked of lifting curbs on oil, fishing and shipping around the Falklands Islands as tensions eased.”

Speaking in Argentina, Mr Johnson 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 cooperation 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.

READ MORE: How Corbyn was dubbed ‘great friend’ by Falklands land grab leader

Fernandez and Fernandez de Kirchner are keen to take back the archipelago of the Falklands

Fernandez and Fernandez de Kirchner are keen to take back the archipelago of the Falklands (Image: Getty)

“I look forward to a new chapter in our relationship, and booming trade prospects, after the UK leaves the European Union.”

Mr Johnson also laid a wreath at a memorial to those who fell during the Falklands War.

Relations between the UK and Argentina were often difficult during the presidencies of Nestor Kirchner and his successor Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner.

The South Atlantic News Agency Merco Press claimed last July that Mr Johnson and Mr Macri had been friends for a decade, ever since they were mayors of London and Buenos Aires.

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Macri was Argentina's President from 2015 to 2019

Macri was Argentina's President from 2015 to 2019 (Image: Getty)

Alberto Fernandez when he secured his electoral win last year

Alberto Fernandez when he secured his electoral win last year (Image: Getty)

“I look forward to a new chapter in our relationship, and booming trade prospects, after the UK leaves the European Union.”

Mr Johnson also laid a wreath at a memorial to those who fell during the Falklands War.

Relations between the UK and Argentina were often difficult during the presidencies of Nestor Kirchner and his successor Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner.

The South Atlantic News Agency Merco Press claimed last July that Mr Johnson and Mr Macri had been friends for a decade, ever since they were mayors of London and Buenos Aires.

Boris Johnson visited Argentina in 2018 -- with Jorge Faurie

Boris Johnson visited Argentina in 2018 -- with Jorge Faurie (Image: Getty)

Mr Johnson tweeted the new President after his electoral success last year, saying: “Congratulations to @alferdez on winning Argentina’s presidential election.

“We look forward to working with your new government to continue to strengthen the UK-Argentina relationship.”

Mr Fernandez replied: ”Thank you prime minister Boris Johnson for your greetings.

“Without renouncing our sovereignty claim (over the Islands), we should work to ensure the links between the Argentine and British peoples, who share more than we can imagine.”

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