Dieter Lamlé: 'Relations are Good, but More Trust and Legal Certainty Are Needed in Some Areas'

As his three-year term as German Ambassador to Argentina draws to a close, Dieter Lamlé shared reflections on the bilateral relationship, highlighting both advancements and areas needing further development.

“

In some sectors there is legal certainty, in others there is not. What is most lacking is trust, it is returning little by little, but with previous experiences in Argentina, that will take time.

Lamlé described the political relationship between Germany and Argentina as strong and rapidly evolving, noting frequent high-level contacts, including upcoming visits by German officials. He pointed to the recent agreement on liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a significant economic milestone, with Germany set to purchase 80% of its needs from Argentina starting in 2027. This long-term contract, along with progress in the automotive sector, signifies deepening economic ties.

“

Freedom is needed to express oneself without being intimidated. We can discuss everything, but not avoid or prohibit.

However, the ambassador stressed that while political relations are robust, economic cooperation still faces hurdles. "In some sectors there is legal certainty, in others there is not," Lamlé stated, adding that "what is most lacking is trust, it is returning little by little, but with previous experiences in Argentina, that will take time." He emphasized that trust is crucial for sustained investment and partnership.

“

We are friends, strategic partners, we have always been and will continue to be. We are betting on Argentina, and we are supporting the Government since it arrived.

Lamlé also took the opportunity to defend press freedom, subtly differentiating Germany's stance from that of Argentina's current libertarian government, which has been critical of the media. "Freedom is needed to express oneself without being intimidated. We can discuss everything, but not avoid or prohibit," he asserted. Despite the challenges, Lamlé expressed optimism, reaffirming Germany's commitment to Argentina as a strategic partner, stating, "We are friends, strategic partners, we have always been and will continue to be. We are betting on Argentina, and we are supporting the Government since it arrived."

“

We have achieved the first agreement for liquefied natural gas.