English subtitles for clip: File:Vice President Pence Delivers Remarks to the Argentine and Latin American Business Community.webm
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1 00:00:05,472 --> 00:00:06,542 Vice President Pence: Thank you, Chargé Cooney, 2 00:00:08,141 --> 00:00:12,681 Minister Faurie, Hector Orlando, 3 00:00:12,679 --> 00:00:15,019 elected officials, distinguished leaders 4 00:00:15,014 --> 00:00:19,224 in the business community, and honored guests. 5 00:00:19,219 --> 00:00:22,759 It is my great honor -- and a great honor to my wife 6 00:00:22,756 --> 00:00:24,186 and I -- to be here today 7 00:00:24,190 --> 00:00:27,630 at the Buenos Aires Stock Exchange. 8 00:00:27,627 --> 00:00:31,467 Thank you for such a warm welcome, for both of us. 9 00:00:31,464 --> 00:00:34,804 In fact, with that rousing round of applause, would 10 00:00:34,801 --> 00:00:38,501 you mind welcoming my wife of 32 years, 11 00:00:38,505 --> 00:00:41,605 the Second Lady of the United States of America? 12 00:00:41,608 --> 00:00:50,388 (Applause.) 13 00:00:50,383 --> 00:00:52,483 My wife Karen will be joining your First Lady 14 00:00:52,485 --> 00:00:54,455 later today, and she's already been enjoying 15 00:00:54,454 --> 00:00:58,624 the extraordinary experience of healthcare 16 00:00:58,625 --> 00:01:03,835 for children here in Buenos Aires, earlier today. 17 00:01:03,830 --> 00:01:07,630 This is a historic moment of progress in Argentina 18 00:01:07,634 --> 00:01:09,874 and in freedom-loving countries across Latin America. 19 00:01:09,869 --> 00:01:11,669 And I'm grateful that each of you would take time 20 00:01:11,671 --> 00:01:13,641 to be with us today. 21 00:01:13,640 --> 00:01:17,240 And I bring greetings from the leader of the free world, 22 00:01:17,243 --> 00:01:20,383 the President of the United States of America, 23 00:01:20,380 --> 00:01:23,120 President Donald Trump. 24 00:01:23,116 --> 00:01:25,616 The President personally sent me here 25 00:01:25,618 --> 00:01:27,788 as the first member of our administration to visit 26 00:01:27,787 --> 00:01:33,427 South America, as a sign of our commitment to Latin America. 27 00:01:33,426 --> 00:01:38,666 Our Western Hemisphere is a key priority for our administration. 28 00:01:38,665 --> 00:01:41,365 Our values are the same, our interests 29 00:01:41,367 --> 00:01:45,707 are intertwined, and our futures are forever linked. 30 00:01:45,705 --> 00:01:49,945 And today, together, we have a historic 31 00:01:49,943 --> 00:01:53,743 opportunity for progress, from South America 32 00:01:53,746 --> 00:01:58,056 to Central America, all across North America, 33 00:01:58,051 --> 00:01:59,791 and I'm here to speak about that today. 34 00:01:59,786 --> 00:02:07,426 (Applause.) 35 00:02:07,427 --> 00:02:08,657 Over the course of this week, 36 00:02:08,661 --> 00:02:11,961 I'm visiting many of the United States' strongest allies 37 00:02:11,965 --> 00:02:13,905 and partners in South and Central America, 38 00:02:13,900 --> 00:02:17,440 including Colombia, Argentina, Chile, and Panama. 39 00:02:17,437 --> 00:02:22,077 And as I've already seen, the Americas are filled 40 00:02:22,075 --> 00:02:25,545 with diverse cultures, distinctive traditions, 41 00:02:25,545 --> 00:02:27,115 unique identities beyond number. 42 00:02:27,113 --> 00:02:31,623 But we are, all of us, bound by geography, by 43 00:02:31,618 --> 00:02:35,918 history, and we are bound together by the enduring 44 00:02:35,922 --> 00:02:39,092 aspiration for freedom. 45 00:02:39,092 --> 00:02:41,962 Freedom is more than just the heritage of the people 46 00:02:41,961 --> 00:02:43,601 of my country. 47 00:02:43,596 --> 00:02:46,966 It is the birthright and the legacy of all 48 00:02:46,966 --> 00:02:50,736 the peoples of this new world. 49 00:02:50,737 --> 00:02:56,547 (Applause.) 50 00:02:56,543 --> 00:02:58,513 We descend from the same pioneer spirit 51 00:02:58,511 --> 00:03:00,211 that moved our forebears to leave 52 00:03:00,213 --> 00:03:03,383 their families and homes and sail across the sea, 53 00:03:03,383 --> 00:03:07,523 all for the chance to build new lives in this new world. 54 00:03:07,520 --> 00:03:09,690 Our similar struggles for independence weave our 55 00:03:09,689 --> 00:03:14,189 different threads together in the same tapestry of freedom. 56 00:03:14,193 --> 00:03:19,133 In the long annals of liberty, names like San Martín, 57 00:03:19,132 --> 00:03:23,232 Martí, and Bolívar stand with Washington, 58 00:03:23,236 --> 00:03:26,206 Jefferson, and Lincoln -- great leaders 59 00:03:26,205 --> 00:03:29,145 in the cause of freedom. 60 00:03:29,142 --> 00:03:31,712 It was more than 240 years ago that the founders 61 00:03:31,711 --> 00:03:34,011 of the United States pledged to each other their lives, 62 00:03:34,013 --> 00:03:37,953 their fortunes, their sacred honor to advance 63 00:03:37,951 --> 00:03:39,951 their God-given right to liberty. 64 00:03:39,953 --> 00:03:42,753 And it was only a few decades later that 65 00:03:42,755 --> 00:03:46,155 the forefathers of this country banded together 66 00:03:46,159 --> 00:03:49,229 to claim their inalienable right to freedom. 67 00:03:49,228 --> 00:03:51,828 My nation's Declaration of Independence was followed 68 00:03:51,831 --> 00:03:55,371 only 40 years later, almost to the day, 69 00:03:55,368 --> 00:03:59,608 by Argentina's Acta de Independencia. 70 00:03:59,606 --> 00:04:03,376 And today, allow me to congratulate 71 00:04:03,376 --> 00:04:07,516 the Argentinian people as you, last year, celebrated 72 00:04:07,513 --> 00:04:11,653 200 years of independence. 73 00:04:11,651 --> 00:04:18,191 (Applause.) 74 00:04:18,191 --> 00:04:20,291 Ever since that day, the people of this nation, 75 00:04:20,293 --> 00:04:23,663 and this hemisphere, have strived for freedom 76 00:04:23,663 --> 00:04:26,663 and seized the chance to chart their own future. 77 00:04:26,666 --> 00:04:30,066 And that future is what I came here today to discuss. 78 00:04:30,069 --> 00:04:33,869 As President Trump has said, the United States of America 79 00:04:33,873 --> 00:04:37,443 seeks, in his words, a future in our hemisphere 80 00:04:37,443 --> 00:04:40,743 where the people of each country can live out their dreams -- 81 00:04:40,747 --> 00:04:42,247 a future of freedom, 82 00:04:42,248 --> 00:04:46,418 security, and prosperity for us all. 83 00:04:46,419 --> 00:04:48,759 The United States has always cared deeply 84 00:04:48,755 --> 00:04:52,825 about the progress of our neighbors across the Americas. 85 00:04:52,825 --> 00:04:54,725 Under President Donald Trump, the United States 86 00:04:54,727 --> 00:04:57,127 will always put the security and prosperity 87 00:04:57,130 --> 00:04:59,130 of America first. 88 00:04:59,132 --> 00:05:02,402 But as I hope my presence here today demonstrates, 89 00:05:02,402 --> 00:05:05,542 America first does not mean America alone. 90 00:05:05,538 --> 00:05:08,438 A secure Latin America means a more secure 91 00:05:08,441 --> 00:05:10,641 United States of America. 92 00:05:10,643 --> 00:05:13,543 A prosperous Latin America means a more prosperous 93 00:05:13,546 --> 00:05:15,886 United States of America. 94 00:05:15,882 --> 00:05:20,222 And the advance of freedom and democracy in Latin America 95 00:05:20,219 --> 00:05:24,359 benefits the cause of freedom everywhere. 96 00:05:24,357 --> 00:05:30,697 (Applause.) 97 00:05:30,697 --> 00:05:32,467 Because when free peoples stand together, 98 00:05:32,465 --> 00:05:35,465 there's nothing we can't accomplish. 99 00:05:35,468 --> 00:05:39,838 And today, the winds of progress are at our back. 100 00:05:39,839 --> 00:05:43,209 From Mexico to Argentina, from the Pacific to the Atlantic, 101 00:05:43,209 --> 00:05:47,309 and in essentially every nation in between, the leaders 102 00:05:47,313 --> 00:05:48,413 of this region are taking 103 00:05:48,414 --> 00:05:51,154 historic action to improve the lives of their 104 00:05:51,150 --> 00:05:53,850 citizens and realize the hopes and dreams 105 00:05:53,853 --> 00:05:56,523 of generations past and present. 106 00:05:56,522 --> 00:05:59,992 And under President Trump, the United States is proud 107 00:05:59,992 --> 00:06:02,292 to work with you -- shoulder-to-shoulder 108 00:06:02,295 --> 00:06:05,665 and hand-in-hand -- for the benefit of our people, 109 00:06:05,665 --> 00:06:09,305 of this region, and the benefit of the world. 110 00:06:09,302 --> 00:06:12,902 The tasks before us today are perhaps summarized 111 00:06:12,905 --> 00:06:17,815 in three ways: First, we must build on the bold steps 112 00:06:17,810 --> 00:06:20,110 taken by leaders across this region to open 113 00:06:20,113 --> 00:06:24,013 new pathways to prosperity for all of our citizens 114 00:06:24,016 --> 00:06:26,616 and a greater opportunity for commerce. 115 00:06:26,619 --> 00:06:29,089 Second, we must continue to strengthen 116 00:06:29,088 --> 00:06:32,558 our collective security, by confronting those who threaten 117 00:06:32,558 --> 00:06:35,258 our people and our very way of life. 118 00:06:35,261 --> 00:06:37,961 And finally, we must jealously protect 119 00:06:37,964 --> 00:06:41,434 the time-honored values that unite us, and stand together 120 00:06:41,434 --> 00:06:43,304 to reject all who would discard freedom 121 00:06:43,302 --> 00:06:47,712 and democracy for tyranny and dictatorship. 122 00:06:47,707 --> 00:06:50,477 But everything begins with prosperity. 123 00:06:50,476 --> 00:06:54,046 Economic growth is the essential ingredient for success 124 00:06:54,046 --> 00:06:58,216 in the United States, as well as Latin America. 125 00:06:58,217 --> 00:07:02,927 As President Trump often says, "It's all about growth." 126 00:07:02,922 --> 00:07:06,062 A growing economy raises living standards of living 127 00:07:06,058 --> 00:07:08,928 and allows anyone who wants to strive and climb 128 00:07:08,928 --> 00:07:10,728 the ladder of success. 129 00:07:10,730 --> 00:07:12,770 A growing economy inspires innovators 130 00:07:12,765 --> 00:07:15,665 and entrepreneurs to move a society forward. 131 00:07:15,668 --> 00:07:19,008 A growing economy strengthens communities 132 00:07:19,005 --> 00:07:21,175 and gives families a reason to put down roots 133 00:07:21,174 --> 00:07:23,814 that over time will blossom and bear fruit 134 00:07:23,810 --> 00:07:25,980 for generations to come. 135 00:07:25,978 --> 00:07:29,218 And a growing economy empowers those in poverty 136 00:07:29,215 --> 00:07:32,955 to lift themselves upward toward prosperity. 137 00:07:32,952 --> 00:07:36,052 Under the leadership of President Donald Trump, 138 00:07:36,055 --> 00:07:40,355 the American economy is growing again. 139 00:07:40,359 --> 00:07:42,159 Under this President's leadership, we've been 140 00:07:42,161 --> 00:07:45,061 rolling back excessive regulation, unleashing 141 00:07:45,064 --> 00:07:47,604 American energy, and laying the groundwork 142 00:07:47,600 --> 00:07:51,170 for historic tax relief -- all of which has renewed 143 00:07:51,170 --> 00:07:54,470 American confidence, higher than it's been in decades. 144 00:07:54,473 --> 00:07:57,843 It spurred the creation of more than one million 145 00:07:57,844 --> 00:08:02,014 new jobs this year alone, and seen the wealth of Americans 146 00:08:02,014 --> 00:08:06,354 on our stock market rise by trillions of dollars. 147 00:08:06,352 --> 00:08:12,122 Under President Donald Trump, the American economy is back. 148 00:08:12,124 --> 00:08:14,194 And our trade is booming. 149 00:08:14,193 --> 00:08:16,563 Last year, the United States' two-way trade 150 00:08:16,562 --> 00:08:19,332 within the Western Hemisphere totaled 151 00:08:19,332 --> 00:08:23,302 $1.6 trillion, and the United States is the largest 152 00:08:23,302 --> 00:08:27,442 trading partner for nearly two-thirds of the hemisphere. 153 00:08:27,440 --> 00:08:31,380 In fact, we trade twice as much with the countries 154 00:08:31,377 --> 00:08:36,187 of North, Central, and South America as we do with China, 155 00:08:36,182 --> 00:08:38,152 and we export more to our neighbors 156 00:08:38,150 --> 00:08:43,790 in the Western Hemisphere than we do to all of Asia combined. 157 00:08:43,789 --> 00:08:46,089 Our flourishing trade relationship is the result 158 00:08:46,092 --> 00:08:49,532 of many factors, but one of the most important 159 00:08:49,528 --> 00:08:52,198 is the large number of U.S. free-trade agreements 160 00:08:52,198 --> 00:08:56,068 that facilitate commerce across this region. 161 00:08:56,068 --> 00:08:57,968 The United States has free trade agreements 162 00:08:57,970 --> 00:09:01,340 with 12 countries in the Americas, and they've enhanced 163 00:09:01,340 --> 00:09:04,010 our commercial ties with the region, integrated 164 00:09:04,010 --> 00:09:07,480 our economies, and aligned our standards and regulatory 165 00:09:07,480 --> 00:09:09,780 practices in ways that have created growth. 166 00:09:09,782 --> 00:09:14,022 But, as President Trump often says, every deal 167 00:09:14,020 --> 00:09:14,950 can be improved. 168 00:09:14,954 --> 00:09:17,754 And under his leadership, the United States 169 00:09:17,757 --> 00:09:19,457 is reviewing our existing trade agreements 170 00:09:19,458 --> 00:09:23,498 and negotiating new bilateral trade agreements to ensure 171 00:09:23,496 --> 00:09:26,796 a level playing field for the American people. 172 00:09:26,799 --> 00:09:29,639 President Trump has made it clear: In his words, 173 00:09:29,635 --> 00:09:32,705 "We will uphold our values, we will defend 174 00:09:32,705 --> 00:09:35,675 our workers, and we will protect the innovations, 175 00:09:35,675 --> 00:09:38,315 creations, and inventions that power 176 00:09:38,311 --> 00:09:40,481 our magnificent country." 177 00:09:40,479 --> 00:09:43,719 The United States wants more trade with Latin America 178 00:09:43,716 --> 00:09:45,456 and with the wider world. 179 00:09:45,451 --> 00:09:47,991 But under President Donald Trump, we'll not only 180 00:09:47,987 --> 00:09:51,727 have free trade, but we'll have fair trade. 181 00:09:51,724 --> 00:09:53,894 To this end, yesterday President Trump directed 182 00:09:53,893 --> 00:09:56,693 the U.S. Trade Representative to determine whether 183 00:09:56,696 --> 00:09:59,266 to investigate China regarding the theft 184 00:09:59,265 --> 00:10:01,405 of American intellectual property. 185 00:10:01,400 --> 00:10:04,100 And that investigation has already begun. 186 00:10:04,103 --> 00:10:06,743 And just tomorrow, the United States will join 187 00:10:06,739 --> 00:10:10,279 with Canada and Mexico to formally begin the process 188 00:10:10,276 --> 00:10:14,746 of modernizing the North American Free Trade Agreement 189 00:10:14,747 --> 00:10:17,747 for the 21st Century. 190 00:10:17,750 --> 00:10:20,820 But for commerce to expand, the United States 191 00:10:20,820 --> 00:10:22,190 needs to share our tradition 192 00:10:22,188 --> 00:10:25,428 of entrepreneurship, innovation, and transparency 193 00:10:25,424 --> 00:10:29,494 with Latin America -- because we know, when Latin America 194 00:10:29,495 --> 00:10:32,035 embraces economic reforms, 195 00:10:32,031 --> 00:10:36,941 Latin America succeeds, and so does the United States. 196 00:10:36,936 --> 00:10:39,606 And Latin America is succeeding, because 197 00:10:39,605 --> 00:10:43,375 the citizens of Latin America are choosing the same path 198 00:10:43,376 --> 00:10:46,646 that has made America prosperous. 199 00:10:46,645 --> 00:10:49,415 Never before in the history of our hemisphere 200 00:10:49,415 --> 00:10:52,385 have we seen such a concerted effort to enact 201 00:10:52,385 --> 00:10:55,785 the market-based reforms that open up opportunity, 202 00:10:55,788 --> 00:10:59,358 unleash prosperity, and empower the region's citizens 203 00:10:59,358 --> 00:11:01,998 to chart their own futures. 204 00:11:01,994 --> 00:11:04,794 Simply look here in Argentina. 205 00:11:04,797 --> 00:11:06,737 President Macri's leadership has brought 206 00:11:06,732 --> 00:11:10,432 a bold reform agenda to Argentina -- an agenda 207 00:11:10,436 --> 00:11:12,436 that is transforming Argentina's economy 208 00:11:12,438 --> 00:11:16,838 at home and restoring its reputation around the world. 209 00:11:16,842 --> 00:11:19,612 As President Trump said to President Macri in their 210 00:11:19,612 --> 00:11:22,982 meeting in Washington, D.C., the United States of America 211 00:11:22,982 --> 00:11:26,622 applauds the political and economic reforms 212 00:11:26,619 --> 00:11:29,319 that President Macri and his government 213 00:11:29,321 --> 00:11:32,091 have brought here to Argentina. 214 00:11:32,091 --> 00:11:42,501 (Applause.) 215 00:11:42,501 --> 00:11:44,301 Over the past 18 months, President Macri 216 00:11:44,303 --> 00:11:46,303 has taken important steps to break down barriers 217 00:11:46,305 --> 00:11:50,175 to growth, eased currency controls, reentered 218 00:11:50,176 --> 00:11:54,176 global capital markets, cut import and export tariffs, 219 00:11:54,180 --> 00:11:55,650 modernized labor rules, 220 00:11:55,648 --> 00:11:59,248 and invested in much-needed infrastructure. 221 00:11:59,251 --> 00:12:02,551 And today, President Macri and I continued discussions 222 00:12:02,555 --> 00:12:04,525 on expanding agricultural trade 223 00:12:04,523 --> 00:12:07,493 between the United States and Argentina. 224 00:12:07,493 --> 00:12:11,093 And I can tell you, we are very close to completing 225 00:12:11,097 --> 00:12:14,367 an agreement that will benefit American pork producers 226 00:12:14,366 --> 00:12:18,036 and Argentinian consumers to strengthen 227 00:12:18,037 --> 00:12:21,507 the trade relationship between both our countries. 228 00:12:21,507 --> 00:12:26,947 (Applause.) 229 00:12:26,946 --> 00:12:30,046 The truth is, Argentina has reemerged 230 00:12:30,049 --> 00:12:32,949 as a leading example of the productive and positive future 231 00:12:32,952 --> 00:12:35,952 that Latin America is building for itself. 232 00:12:35,955 --> 00:12:37,955 Furthermore, under President Macri's leadership, 233 00:12:37,957 --> 00:12:39,387 Argentina is once again a leader 234 00:12:39,391 --> 00:12:41,091 on the global stage. 235 00:12:41,093 --> 00:12:42,293 Later this year, Argentina 236 00:12:42,294 --> 00:12:45,864 will host the World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference, 237 00:12:45,865 --> 00:12:48,535 and next year Argentina will assume the G-20's presidency. 238 00:12:50,669 --> 00:12:55,679 In a very real sense, when it comes to Latin America, 239 00:12:55,674 --> 00:12:59,044 the model of Argentina is the future. 240 00:12:59,044 --> 00:13:01,744 But, fortunately, Argentina is not alone 241 00:13:01,747 --> 00:13:05,287 in pursuing pro-growth reforms across this region. 242 00:13:05,284 --> 00:13:07,284 The good news is that similar efforts are 243 00:13:07,286 --> 00:13:10,186 underway across Latin America, and the people 244 00:13:10,189 --> 00:13:12,729 of the region are choosing the path of progress 245 00:13:12,725 --> 00:13:14,665 and economic reform. 246 00:13:14,660 --> 00:13:17,730 In Colombia, where I was yesterday, the government 247 00:13:17,730 --> 00:13:21,530 is leveraging peace to bring economic opportunity 248 00:13:21,534 --> 00:13:24,304 to the areas that have lacked it for decades. 249 00:13:24,303 --> 00:13:27,703 In Brazil, structural reforms to the labor, 250 00:13:27,706 --> 00:13:29,606 fiscal, and pension systems are building 251 00:13:29,608 --> 00:13:33,978 a more open, integrated, and competitive economy. 252 00:13:33,979 --> 00:13:36,379 And when I met with leaders of the Northern Triangle nations 253 00:13:36,382 --> 00:13:39,982 of Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador in June, 254 00:13:39,985 --> 00:13:43,825 at the inaugural Conference on Prosperity and Security, 255 00:13:43,822 --> 00:13:46,922 those leaders all committed to improve the economic climate 256 00:13:46,926 --> 00:13:51,326 through historic regulatory and tax reforms. 257 00:13:51,330 --> 00:13:53,600 Latin America is on the move. 258 00:13:53,599 --> 00:13:56,439 And as all these nations continue to break down barriers, 259 00:13:56,435 --> 00:13:59,805 root out corruption, and unleash the entrepreneurial spirit 260 00:13:59,805 --> 00:14:01,405 of their citizens, 261 00:14:01,407 --> 00:14:07,017 the progress will be a win-win for the United States of America 262 00:14:07,012 --> 00:14:10,682 and all our neighbors in Latin America. 263 00:14:10,683 --> 00:14:18,493 (Applause.) 264 00:14:18,490 --> 00:14:21,090 The truth is, U.S. businesses, like many of those 265 00:14:21,093 --> 00:14:23,793 gathered here, are already responding to these actions 266 00:14:23,796 --> 00:14:27,066 with renewed confidence and investment, supporting jobs 267 00:14:27,066 --> 00:14:30,836 in the United States and across Latin America. 268 00:14:30,836 --> 00:14:33,036 Here in Argentina, Viacom recently acquired 269 00:14:33,038 --> 00:14:36,978 the major broadcaster, Telefe -- one of the first major deals 270 00:14:36,976 --> 00:14:39,916 inked under President Macri's leadership. 271 00:14:39,912 --> 00:14:43,912 In the Vaca Muerta unconventional gas field, 272 00:14:43,916 --> 00:14:46,256 American companies, like Exxon and Chevron, 273 00:14:46,252 --> 00:14:49,052 are working together with their Argentinian counterparts 274 00:14:49,054 --> 00:14:51,554 to unleash affordable and abundant energy 275 00:14:51,557 --> 00:14:53,397 that will drive a growing economy. 276 00:14:53,392 --> 00:14:56,492 And beyond Argentina, U.S. companies are investing 277 00:14:56,495 --> 00:14:59,235 in Latin America like never before. 278 00:14:59,231 --> 00:15:02,501 Cargill recently announced major investments in Colombia, 279 00:15:02,501 --> 00:15:05,541 where it now employs some 5,000 people. 280 00:15:05,537 --> 00:15:08,837 In Panama, Caterpillar helped cut the new channel 281 00:15:08,841 --> 00:15:11,341 for the Panama Canal -- that great artery of commerce, 282 00:15:11,343 --> 00:15:16,113 so central to the prosperity of our hemisphere and the world. 283 00:15:16,115 --> 00:15:18,915 Such investments, in a multitude of industries, 284 00:15:18,917 --> 00:15:22,217 will only grow as Argentina and Latin America 285 00:15:22,221 --> 00:15:24,491 continue to enact competitive, 286 00:15:24,490 --> 00:15:26,590 growth-oriented reforms. 287 00:15:26,592 --> 00:15:28,992 And this will further strengthen the economies 288 00:15:28,994 --> 00:15:32,064 of all of our nations, and it will strengthen 289 00:15:32,064 --> 00:15:35,334 the commerce and the significant trade relationships 290 00:15:35,334 --> 00:15:37,434 that we already enjoy. 291 00:15:37,436 --> 00:15:40,336 Our administration welcomes these economic reforms 292 00:15:40,339 --> 00:15:44,539 and we welcome the economic progress of Latin America. 293 00:15:44,543 --> 00:15:47,083 But we must never forget that security 294 00:15:47,079 --> 00:15:50,679 is the foundation of our prosperity, and here, too, 295 00:15:50,683 --> 00:15:53,283 the United States will not waver in our efforts 296 00:15:53,285 --> 00:15:56,525 to ensure the safety and security of the American people 297 00:15:56,522 --> 00:15:59,062 and the Western Hemisphere as a whole. 298 00:15:59,058 --> 00:16:01,998 From North Korea to Iran, the threats to our global security 299 00:16:01,994 --> 00:16:03,994 are numerous and growing. 300 00:16:03,996 --> 00:16:06,596 And no threat is more widespread 301 00:16:06,598 --> 00:16:09,868 than that of global terrorism. 302 00:16:09,868 --> 00:16:14,538 Argentina is no stranger to this enemy. 303 00:16:14,540 --> 00:16:18,180 This year marks the 25th anniversary of the bombing 304 00:16:18,177 --> 00:16:20,377 at the Israeli Embassy, which was followed 305 00:16:20,379 --> 00:16:24,949 two years later by the AMIA bombing -- the deadliest 306 00:16:24,950 --> 00:16:28,790 terrorist attack in the history of Argentina. 307 00:16:28,787 --> 00:16:32,327 These two attacks claimed the lives of 114 innocents. 308 00:16:32,324 --> 00:16:35,764 And earlier today, it was my great honor to visit 309 00:16:35,761 --> 00:16:39,861 a memorial to these victims in the Metropolitan chapel, 310 00:16:39,865 --> 00:16:43,865 and breathe a prayer and read a verse in their memory. 311 00:16:43,869 --> 00:16:47,639 The threat of terror still looms across our hemisphere, 312 00:16:47,639 --> 00:16:51,479 and we will stand together to confront it and protect 313 00:16:51,477 --> 00:16:53,917 our people from it. 314 00:16:53,912 --> 00:17:02,092 (Applause.) 315 00:17:02,087 --> 00:17:05,327 And so, too, must we stand together 316 00:17:05,324 --> 00:17:07,694 to confront the most immediate threat to Latin America's 317 00:17:07,693 --> 00:17:10,633 security and prosperity -- 318 00:17:10,629 --> 00:17:13,969 the menace of transnational crime. 319 00:17:13,966 --> 00:17:19,436 The human cost of crime is incalculable in destroyed lives 320 00:17:19,438 --> 00:17:23,678 and in violence, but the economic cost 321 00:17:23,675 --> 00:17:25,275 is well-known. 322 00:17:25,277 --> 00:17:27,877 By some estimates, transnational crime 323 00:17:27,880 --> 00:17:31,320 now consumes up to 3 percent of the gross domestic 324 00:17:31,316 --> 00:17:34,756 product of South America and the Caribbean. 325 00:17:34,753 --> 00:17:38,323 In some Central American countries, the damage 326 00:17:38,323 --> 00:17:40,363 is more than double. 327 00:17:40,359 --> 00:17:43,729 The cancer of crime and corruption will continue 328 00:17:43,729 --> 00:17:49,069 to stifle Latin America's progress so long as it exists. 329 00:17:49,067 --> 00:17:52,607 So, every nation must redouble our efforts 330 00:17:52,604 --> 00:17:55,774 to end the scourge of corruption and 331 00:17:55,774 --> 00:17:58,214 transnational crime. 332 00:17:58,210 --> 00:18:01,080 And the United States of America will continue 333 00:18:01,079 --> 00:18:05,649 to partner with our neighbors in the region to achieve it. 334 00:18:05,651 --> 00:18:11,761 (Applause.) 335 00:18:11,757 --> 00:18:14,497 The newly launched Argentina-United States Dialogue 336 00:18:14,493 --> 00:18:18,333 on Illicit Finance and Cyber Policy Working Group 337 00:18:18,330 --> 00:18:20,830 is helping us achieve this goal. 338 00:18:20,833 --> 00:18:23,273 And the United States is proud to assist President Macri 339 00:18:23,268 --> 00:18:26,008 in his campaign to crack down on drug trafficking 340 00:18:26,004 --> 00:18:28,244 and strengthen border controls. 341 00:18:28,240 --> 00:18:29,940 The United States will also continue to work 342 00:18:29,942 --> 00:18:33,112 with Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay 343 00:18:33,111 --> 00:18:35,711 to improve our intelligence-sharing 344 00:18:35,714 --> 00:18:39,314 cooperation to disrupt security threats. 345 00:18:39,318 --> 00:18:41,418 And to the north, in Colombia, the Caribbean, 346 00:18:41,420 --> 00:18:43,820 and Central America, the United States 347 00:18:43,822 --> 00:18:45,962 is continuing to coordinate with our partners 348 00:18:45,958 --> 00:18:48,928 to staunch the flow of illegal drugs, dismantle 349 00:18:48,927 --> 00:18:52,467 trafficking networks, and remove the cocaine fields 350 00:18:52,464 --> 00:18:55,704 that are the source of so much misery in our country 351 00:18:55,701 --> 00:18:59,471 and in countries across this region. 352 00:18:59,471 --> 00:19:03,371 Latin America has come so far in prosperity 353 00:19:03,375 --> 00:19:08,445 and security -- because today you share with the United States, 354 00:19:08,447 --> 00:19:11,617 in so many ways, in so many places, 355 00:19:11,617 --> 00:19:14,987 a renewed commitment to freedom, to democracy, 356 00:19:14,987 --> 00:19:17,157 and to the rule of law. 357 00:19:17,155 --> 00:19:19,295 These values are the foundation of a brighter 358 00:19:19,291 --> 00:19:22,531 future that we all seek, and so they will always 359 00:19:22,528 --> 00:19:24,928 be the foundation. 360 00:19:24,930 --> 00:19:27,330 But while so much of Latin America has traveled 361 00:19:27,332 --> 00:19:34,042 the road to economic freedom and growth, in Venezuela, sadly, 362 00:19:34,039 --> 00:19:36,309 we're seeing tragedy. 363 00:19:36,308 --> 00:19:39,248 We're seeing the tragedy of tyranny play out 364 00:19:39,244 --> 00:19:43,614 before our eyes in our own hemisphere. 365 00:19:43,615 --> 00:19:45,585 As President Trump has said, 366 00:19:45,584 --> 00:19:50,554 "The Venezuelan people are suffering and they are dying." 367 00:19:50,556 --> 00:19:54,096 They're experiencing grinding poverty; families 368 00:19:54,092 --> 00:19:56,562 can't find the food and medicine they need to survive; 369 00:19:56,562 --> 00:19:59,862 innocent children are literally perishing 370 00:19:59,865 --> 00:20:05,205 every day from starvation and deprivation. 371 00:20:05,203 --> 00:20:08,003 Just yesterday, my wife and I spent time with refugees 372 00:20:08,006 --> 00:20:12,676 of this crisis in a small church in Cartagena. 373 00:20:12,678 --> 00:20:15,718 We prayed with these families that are fleeing violence, 374 00:20:15,714 --> 00:20:18,514 and poverty, and starvation. 375 00:20:18,517 --> 00:20:23,487 We spoke to a grandmother who, just last week, 376 00:20:23,488 --> 00:20:27,698 reclaimed her grandchildren from Venezuela. 377 00:20:27,693 --> 00:20:30,793 And with tears in her eyes, she told us 378 00:20:30,796 --> 00:20:35,236 of how children would have to rise at four in the morning 379 00:20:35,233 --> 00:20:38,933 in Venezuela to get a ticket, 380 00:20:38,937 --> 00:20:42,307 and then wait all day to use that ticket in the afternoon 381 00:20:42,307 --> 00:20:46,347 to buy one piece of bread. 382 00:20:46,345 --> 00:20:49,845 It's extraordinary to think, in a nation that should 383 00:20:49,848 --> 00:20:53,248 well be one of the wealthiest nations 384 00:20:53,251 --> 00:20:59,291 in Latin America, to hear of such deprivation and poverty. 385 00:20:59,291 --> 00:21:02,131 It just broke our hearts. 386 00:21:02,127 --> 00:21:04,027 Today, the once-free people of Venezuela 387 00:21:04,029 --> 00:21:07,629 are being forced to endure that fate by the brutality 388 00:21:07,633 --> 00:21:10,503 of the Maduro regime. 389 00:21:10,502 --> 00:21:12,602 No free people has ever chosen to walk the path 390 00:21:12,604 --> 00:21:15,244 from prosperity to poverty. 391 00:21:15,240 --> 00:21:18,740 No free people has ever chosen to turn what was once, 392 00:21:18,744 --> 00:21:21,244 and should still be, one of South America's 393 00:21:21,246 --> 00:21:26,156 richest nations into one of its poorest and most corrupt. 394 00:21:26,151 --> 00:21:28,091 The Maduro regime has ignored and undermined 395 00:21:28,086 --> 00:21:29,026 their National Assembly. 396 00:21:29,021 --> 00:21:31,761 They've stifled the voices of a free press 397 00:21:31,757 --> 00:21:33,427 and the people alike. 398 00:21:33,425 --> 00:21:36,525 They've imprisoned countless political opponents. 399 00:21:36,528 --> 00:21:40,968 And more than 130 brave Venezuelans have died 400 00:21:40,966 --> 00:21:45,166 in a desperate fight to restore their freedom. 401 00:21:45,170 --> 00:21:48,910 Venezuela is sliding into dictatorship. 402 00:21:48,907 --> 00:21:52,847 And as President Donald Trump has said, the United States 403 00:21:52,844 --> 00:21:58,514 will not stand by as Venezuela crumbles. 404 00:21:58,517 --> 00:22:07,027 (Applause.) 405 00:22:07,025 --> 00:22:08,765 We will continue to stand with free nations 406 00:22:08,760 --> 00:22:12,060 across our hemisphere until democracy is restored 407 00:22:12,064 --> 00:22:14,834 for the Venezuelan people. 408 00:22:14,833 --> 00:22:18,973 A failed state knows no boundaries. 409 00:22:18,970 --> 00:22:20,710 A failed state in Venezuela will drive 410 00:22:20,706 --> 00:22:23,176 more illegal drug trafficking with its murderous 411 00:22:23,175 --> 00:22:27,645 criminal consequences radiating outward across 412 00:22:27,646 --> 00:22:31,016 Latin America and into the United States. 413 00:22:31,016 --> 00:22:32,816 A failed state in Venezuela will drive 414 00:22:32,818 --> 00:22:35,718 more illegal migration, compromising our borders, 415 00:22:35,721 --> 00:22:38,261 and damaging our economies. 416 00:22:38,256 --> 00:22:42,596 And ultimately, a failed state in Venezuela 417 00:22:42,594 --> 00:22:45,434 will endanger the security, prosperity, and wellbeing 418 00:22:45,430 --> 00:22:50,100 of all of us who call the Western Hemisphere home. 419 00:22:50,102 --> 00:22:52,572 President Trump and I are grateful. 420 00:22:52,571 --> 00:22:54,371 We're grateful for Argentina's leadership 421 00:22:54,372 --> 00:22:57,442 in condemning the Maduro regime. 422 00:22:57,442 --> 00:23:00,812 We applaud the measures President Macri has taken 423 00:23:00,812 --> 00:23:04,352 to track down corrupt Venezuelan officials. 424 00:23:04,349 --> 00:23:06,119 We're also grateful that Argentina voted 425 00:23:06,118 --> 00:23:09,588 with Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay to suspend Venezuela 426 00:23:09,588 --> 00:23:13,558 from Mercosur until democracy is restored. 427 00:23:13,558 --> 00:23:17,498 And we gratefully recognize Argentina for 428 00:23:17,496 --> 00:23:20,366 joining 11 other countries to sign the Lima Declaration 429 00:23:20,365 --> 00:23:24,905 just last week -- sending a powerful message 430 00:23:24,903 --> 00:23:27,603 that the free peoples of the Americas 431 00:23:27,606 --> 00:23:30,346 will stand with the Venezuelan people 432 00:23:30,342 --> 00:23:34,582 and we will stand up to their oppressors. 433 00:23:34,579 --> 00:23:42,859 (Applause.) 434 00:23:42,854 --> 00:23:46,824 President Trump and the United States calls on all 435 00:23:46,825 --> 00:23:50,825 of our neighbors across Latin America to do more. 436 00:23:50,829 --> 00:23:55,739 And you all can be assured, the United States of America 437 00:23:55,734 --> 00:23:58,004 will continue to bring the full measure 438 00:23:58,003 --> 00:24:02,003 of American economic and diplomatic power to bear 439 00:24:02,007 --> 00:24:05,377 until democracy is restored in Venezuela. 440 00:24:05,377 --> 00:24:07,617 As President Trump said just a few days ago, 441 00:24:07,612 --> 00:24:10,412 "We have many options for Venezuela." 442 00:24:10,415 --> 00:24:15,855 But the President also remains confident that, 443 00:24:15,854 --> 00:24:19,454 working with all of our allies across Latin America 444 00:24:19,457 --> 00:24:23,327 and across the wider world, that we can achieve 445 00:24:23,328 --> 00:24:25,728 a peaceable solution 446 00:24:25,730 --> 00:24:29,770 restoring democracy and ending the crisis 447 00:24:29,768 --> 00:24:32,168 facing the people of Venezuela. 448 00:24:32,170 --> 00:24:37,110 But it will take all of us to do it. 449 00:24:37,108 --> 00:24:40,948 And be assured, what we do to see democracy restored 450 00:24:40,946 --> 00:24:42,616 in Venezuela, we will do together. 451 00:24:42,614 --> 00:24:46,154 The United States of America has already issued 452 00:24:46,151 --> 00:24:48,151 three rounds of targeted sanctions, 453 00:24:48,153 --> 00:24:50,953 including new sanctions just last week, against Maduro 454 00:24:50,956 --> 00:24:52,656 and his inner circle. 455 00:24:52,657 --> 00:24:54,797 We will continue to act until the Maduro regime 456 00:24:54,793 --> 00:24:58,463 restores democracy, holds free and fair elections, 457 00:24:58,463 --> 00:25:00,433 releases all of its political prisoners, 458 00:25:00,432 --> 00:25:04,732 and ends the repression of the Venezuelan people. 459 00:25:04,736 --> 00:25:07,536 We do this because it's right. 460 00:25:07,539 --> 00:25:11,779 The Venezuelan people deserve democracy. 461 00:25:11,776 --> 00:25:14,546 We do this because, as President Trump has said, 462 00:25:14,546 --> 00:25:17,616 a "stable and peaceful Venezuela is in the best interest 463 00:25:17,616 --> 00:25:20,586 of our entire hemisphere." 464 00:25:20,585 --> 00:25:23,325 We all live in the same neighborhood. 465 00:25:23,321 --> 00:25:26,121 We succeed when our neighbors succeed. 466 00:25:26,124 --> 00:25:28,664 We struggle when our neighbors struggle. 467 00:25:28,660 --> 00:25:31,430 And so, we will continue to act, together, 468 00:25:31,429 --> 00:25:33,499 to support the people of Venezuela in their fight 469 00:25:33,498 --> 00:25:35,438 for freedom. 470 00:25:35,433 --> 00:25:40,543 And today, I say with confidence, the Venezuelan people 471 00:25:40,538 --> 00:25:45,778 will be free once more, for here in the new world, 472 00:25:45,777 --> 00:25:48,717 freedom always wins. 473 00:25:48,713 --> 00:25:57,253 (Applause.) 474 00:25:57,255 --> 00:25:59,825 As Argentina knows, freedom is a precious gift that demands 475 00:25:59,824 --> 00:26:01,824 constant protection, steady vigilance. 476 00:26:01,826 --> 00:26:05,296 And today, as in ages past, the United States 477 00:26:05,297 --> 00:26:10,307 will be unwavering in our resolve to uphold freedom 478 00:26:10,302 --> 00:26:12,202 in this hemisphere. 479 00:26:12,203 --> 00:26:14,073 Freedom has always been and will always be the source 480 00:26:14,072 --> 00:26:18,442 of our strength, the summit of the national life 481 00:26:18,443 --> 00:26:21,243 of our country, the countries across this region. 482 00:26:21,246 --> 00:26:24,986 And it's the very heart of who we are. 483 00:26:24,983 --> 00:26:27,923 And as freedom continues its advance across 484 00:26:27,919 --> 00:26:31,389 this hemisphere, President Trump and I know it will 485 00:26:31,389 --> 00:26:34,989 bring us to new heights of security and prosperity 486 00:26:34,993 --> 00:26:37,333 for all our people, and new heights 487 00:26:37,329 --> 00:26:41,299 of accomplishment that will continue to be the marvel 488 00:26:41,299 --> 00:26:43,199 of the world. 489 00:26:43,201 --> 00:26:46,601 We stand here today at the dawn of a new era 490 00:26:46,604 --> 00:26:51,274 in the new world, and the people of this hemisphere have 491 00:26:51,276 --> 00:26:53,076 a choice to make. 492 00:26:53,078 --> 00:26:56,748 It's the same choice that has faced us every day 493 00:26:56,748 --> 00:27:02,588 since two centuries and more ago of this nation's birth, 494 00:27:02,587 --> 00:27:06,657 and more than that, of my nation's birth. 495 00:27:06,658 --> 00:27:08,558 It's a choice that always demands our action 496 00:27:08,560 --> 00:27:12,760 and always commands our future. 497 00:27:12,764 --> 00:27:15,034 And so, I say to our neighbors and friends 498 00:27:15,033 --> 00:27:19,373 across this hemisphere, let us here, 499 00:27:19,371 --> 00:27:24,141 in the Western Hemisphere, always choose freedom. 500 00:27:24,142 --> 00:27:27,182 Let us always choose democracy. 501 00:27:27,178 --> 00:27:29,648 Let us always stand with those who stand 502 00:27:29,647 --> 00:27:31,647 with these timeless values. 503 00:27:32,884 --> 00:27:35,284 Choose the path that America has taken 504 00:27:35,286 --> 00:27:37,226 throughout our history. 505 00:27:37,222 --> 00:27:40,462 Choose the path that Argentina is now taking 506 00:27:40,458 --> 00:27:43,098 with renewed vigor once again. 507 00:27:43,094 --> 00:27:46,134 It's bringing this country and other Latin American 508 00:27:46,131 --> 00:27:49,831 countries to all new heights. 509 00:27:49,834 --> 00:27:52,674 We need only remember the words of San Martín, 510 00:27:54,672 --> 00:27:57,172 whose mausoleum I had the privilege of visiting 511 00:27:57,175 --> 00:27:59,515 earlier today. 512 00:27:59,511 --> 00:28:02,611 As the great hero of liberty in this land tells us, 513 00:28:05,183 --> 00:28:11,123 "Let us be free -- for the rest matters not." 514 00:28:11,122 --> 00:28:15,122 My friends, the future of freedom beckons us all. 515 00:28:15,126 --> 00:28:21,696 And with confidence in the good people of the United States, 516 00:28:21,699 --> 00:28:24,999 of Argentina, and freedom-loving people 517 00:28:25,003 --> 00:28:29,873 all across Latin America, with firm reliance on the deep 518 00:28:29,874 --> 00:28:33,974 wellspring of faith in almighty God, with such 519 00:28:33,978 --> 00:28:40,548 a rich tradition in all the nations across this new world -- 520 00:28:40,552 --> 00:28:43,992 I know we will meet that glorious future 521 00:28:43,988 --> 00:28:48,998 of freedom together, as partners and as friends. 522 00:28:48,993 --> 00:28:50,163 Thank you. 523 00:28:50,161 --> 00:28:51,661 May God bless you. 524 00:28:51,663 --> 00:28:55,103 May God bless all of Latin America. 525 00:28:55,100 --> 00:28:58,800 And may God bless the United States of America. 526 00:28:58,803 --> 00:29:19,653 (Applause.)