Press Release No. PR21/130

Statement by IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva on Argentina

May 14, 2021

Washington, DC: Ms. Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), met today with Argentina President Alberto Fernandez in Rome, Italy. Ms. Georgieva issued the following statement at the conclusion of the meeting:

“I had a very positive meeting with President Alberto Fernández of Argentina today. It was a true pleasure to finally meet President Fernandez face-to-face, which highlighted the benefits of in-person dialogue. We talked about the urgent need to continue to fight the Covid-19 pandemic to preserve lives and livelihoods, as well as the unique challenges facing middle-income countries. In this regard, we discussed the importance of global cooperation in helping to ensure a more equitable and durable economic recovery, especially to support vulnerable countries. We also discussed the important efforts the Argentine authorities are making to address the deep social and economic challenges facing the country, which have been aggravated by the pandemic. To this end, I expressed my solidarity with the people of Argentina in these difficult times.

“We also committed to continuing our work together on an IMF-supported program that can help Argentina and its people overcome these challenges, by strengthening economic stability, protecting the most vulnerable and setting the basis for more sustainable and inclusive growth. I also took note of President Fernández’s request for a reform of the IMF’s surcharges policy, and I will consult with the membership on this issue.

“Our objective remains helping Argentina build a prosperous economic future for all.”