Rogelio Frigerio and Yamandú Orsi have prioritized cooperation to avert conflicts regarding a green hydrogen plant in Paysandú. Their discussions focus on environmental impact concerns raised by the local community in Colón. Emphasizing dialogue to prevent a repeat of past diplomatic crises, both leaders have also agreed to advance various strategic projects to enhance trade and integration between Argentina and Uruguay.
Rogelio Frigerio, the governor of Entre Ríos, along with President Yamandú Orsi of Uruguay, has emphasized the necessity of collaboration to prevent disputes arising from the proposed green hydrogen plant in Paysandú. They highlighted the importance of maintaining dialogue, asserting that “The Uruguay River unites us, it doesn’t separate us. That can’t be questioned.” Both leaders noted the historical context of tensions in the early 2000s over the Botnia pulp mill and expressed a commitment to avoiding similar conflicts in the future.
During their meeting in Montevideo, Frigerio and Orsi addressed concerns regarding the environmental implications of the HIF Global plant, situated across from Colón in Entre Ríos. The Colón community has voiced apprehensions about potential adverse effects on local tourism, regarded as the primary economic driver in the area. Frigerio remarked that there is a request from Colón not to allow this new energy project to interfere with tourism, and Orsi pledged to facilitate discussions with all stakeholders to ensure their concerns are acknowledged.
Foreign Minister Mario Lubetkin stressed the importance of a cooperative framework for the management of projects linked to the Uruguay River. He cautioned against past incidents such as the blockades that hindered border crossings during the Botnia pulp mill conflict, stating, “Let what happened with the bridges never happen again.” Argentina and Uruguay have pledged to ensure that the Paysandú plant adheres to sustainability and developmental principles.
In addition to the green hydrogen initiative, Frigerio and Orsi concurred on advancing larger strategic projects, such as enhancing navigability through dredging the Uruguay River and the development of a deep-water port in Soriano. These projects are expected to facilitate trade between Paraguay, northern Argentina, and the Uruguayan coastline, thereby promoting economic integration between the two nations. Lubetkin concluded by asserting a commitment to dynamic collaboration to mitigate fears that could hinder economic progress or tourism.
In conclusion, the collaborative efforts between Argentina and Uruguay under the leadership of Rogelio Frigerio and Yamandú Orsi signify a strong commitment to preventing conflicts over environmental projects. Their focus on dialogue and cooperation serves to ensure sustainable development while addressing local community concerns. Strategic projects beyond the green hydrogen initiative promise to enhance regional trade and foster economic integration, reinforcing the importance of the Uruguay River as a unifying asset.
Original Source: hydrogen-central.com
