President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner and her Uruguayan counterpart José “Pepe” Mujica met in the neighbouring country in order to reactivate a train line uniting both countries that had been out of service for the last 30 years.
The move was seen as one more step towards a bilateral integration after the former Botnia paper mill conflict, which strained the relationship between both countries for several years.
“It was time for us to end divisions between Argentines and Uruguayans and discuss matters, in case of any existing differences, in a civilized way. And here is the result. This train, a symbol of integration and unity,” Fernández de Kirchner said while attending the ceremony in the city of Salto.
Mujica, who gave a heartfelt speech before her, said that “step by step,” Uruguay is “permanently improving its relationship with the Argentine people.”
President Fernández de Kirchner arrived to the Uruguayan city aboard the new train, after having boarded previously in the town of Ayuí, in the Entre Ríos province.
Fernández de Kirchner traveled along Entre Ríos governor Sergio Urribarri and ministres Amado Boudou, Héctor Timerman and Enrique Meyer.
Both presidents reactivated the first stage of the international train service, which had remained inactive for 30 years.
The train line will unite the city of Pilar (in Buenos Aires) with Paso de los Toros (in Uruguay).
Source: Buenos Aires Herald