HispanicBusiness

President Obama said the U.S. will strengthen relations with Argentina, after Cristina Fernandez began her second term as Argentine president last week.

In an interview with Argentine newspaper La Nacion published Monday, Obama said closer bilateral ties will help the two countries "to achieve even more."

The U.S. and Argentina will openly discuss new challenges of the bilateral relations in a responsible way to be sure that any disagreement can be effectively resolved, the report cited Obama as saying.

Obama also said he hopes Argentina will deepen cooperation with the international community in countering terrorism, curbing drug smuggling and tackling the Iranian nuclear issue.

Obama and Fernandez met at a G20 summit in Cannes, France, in November when they discussed cooperation in science, technology and energy.

During the meeting, the two leaders promised to expand cooperation in the peaceful use of the space and joint research on global climate change, the report said.

The countries will also work to promote the use of clean and safe energy, especially nuclear energy, shale gas and wind power, the report said.

Obama also urged Argentina to normalize its relations with international creditors and pay its debt in order to attract more investment, according to the report.

It will be beneficial for both countries if Argentina honors its obligations with its creditors, Obama said.

Argentina's foreign debt totalled 132.5 billion U.S. dollars at the end of June this year, equivalent to 32.2 percent of the South American country's gross domestic product, according to the Argentine central bank.