Argentina leader uses White House meeting to focus on country's woes

President Alberto Fern ndez of Argentina used a White House meeting Wednesday to focus on the economic strain his country faces as he looks for President Joe Biden to back Argentina's effort to renegotiate with the International Monetary Fund on terms of $44 billion debt.

The United States has the veto power in the IMF, so any sign of support from Biden to revise requirements to the debt agreement would be seen as positive for Argentina while talks continue.

Fern ndez, who spoke to reporters at the beginning of their meeting, said that Argentina's economy has suffered the worst drought in more than 90 years. He said that Russia's war in Ukraine has had rippling effects on his country's economy and others.

Fern ndez said that they look forward to continued support as you have done so far.

Washington is increasingly concerned about China's involvement in Argentina, particularly the planned construction of two nuclear plants in Buenos Aires by Chinese companies, and may seek concessions from Argentina in exchange for support with the International Monetary Fund.

Biden did not address the issue of the International Monetary Fund, but he said the moment presented an opportunity to increase U.S.-Argentine economic ties.

Biden said that they have an enormous opportunity to increase their economic exchange, our economic integration on everything from clean energy to critical minerals to technology to security.

The leaders' meeting was originally scheduled to take place last July but was postponed when Biden contracted COVID - 19.