Institutional
The Argentine National Congress has a structure in its Senate and Chamber of Deputies with specific powers related to parliamentary diplomacy and international relations.
The Chamber of Deputies as an institution, and the National Deputies representing it, participate in various forums and organizations of parliaments and parliamentarians worldwide. The DGRI coordinates activities related to international agreements with these organizations or any other type of relationship with members of the international community.
As stated in RP No. 90/2012, the mission of the General Directorate of International Relations (DGRI) of the Honorable Chamber of Deputies of the Nation (HCDN) is to assist the President in all matters concerning international relations and advise on matters of international cooperation.
The President is the highest authority of the Honorable Chamber of Deputies of the Nation and therefore, the highest authority of the institution in matters of foreign relations and worship, beyond the fact that the decisions of the body are adopted through the procedures and majorities regulated by the National Constitution, the laws and its Internal Regulations, for which purposes the role of the authorities of the Committees and other specialized bodies in the matter (special committees, observatories, forums) is essential.
The General Directorate of Parliamentary Diplomacy, International Cooperation and Worship within the scope of the Presidency is responsible for the coordination and cooperation of the following bodies:
• Parliamentary Friendship Groups (GPA).
• Parliamentary Observatory on the Malvinas, South Atlantic and Argentine Antarctica issue.
• Parliamentary Forum “Transforming Our World: 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development – Argentina Chapter”.
• Modernization, Innovation, Transparency and Democratic Strengthening Program.
Likewise, this General Directorate has the function of advising and coordinating the activities carried out by the bodies composed of Deputies, within the scope of the Parliamentary Secretariat:
• Commission on Foreign Relations and Worship.
• MERCOSUR Commission.
• Argentine-Chilean Joint Parliamentary Special Commission.
• Special Commission for the Modernization of Parliamentary Functioning.
• Argentine-Mexican Interparliamentary Bicameral Commission.
• Parliamentary Front against Hunger (FPH) – Argentine Chapter.
General Directorate of Parliamentary Diplomacy, International Cooperation and Worship of the Presidency of the Chamber of Deputies of the Nation (DGRI)
The Presidency of the Honorable Chamber of Deputies of the Nation has a General Directorate of Parliamentary Diplomacy, International Cooperation and Worship, created by RP No. 90 of January 1, 2012.
The mission of the DGDP is to "assist the President of the HCDN in all matters concerning international relations and advise on matters of international cooperation. To understand, promote, and deepen regional integration processes, according to its competencies." The DGDP's other functions are:
1. Coordinate the international relations and international cooperation policy of the Presidency of the Honorable Chamber of Deputies of the Nation.
2. Advise the President of the Honorable Chamber of Deputies of the Nation and instruct the different areas in matters of international relations.
3. Coordinate the activities carried out by other departments of the Honorable Chamber of Deputies of the Nation regarding international agreements or any other type of relationship with members of the international community.
4. Advise on the deepening of political, economic, cultural, social and cooperative relations with all regions of the world.
5. Maintain fluid communication and exchange of information with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship.
6. Provide advice on the proposal, promotion, development, and monitoring of multilateral, regional, and bilateral negotiations and international cooperation issued within the framework of the Presidency of the Honorable Chamber of Deputies of the Nation.
7. Work for the validity and effective compliance of International Human Rights Law treaties.
Directorate of Parliamentary Diplomacy and International Cooperation (DDPCI)
The mission of the International Relations Directorate is to implement policies related to international relations and international cooperation.
It also works to promote regional integration and maintain the validity of international human rights treaties, and advises on the development of bilateral and multilateral ties with foreign nations, as well as with any other member of the international community.
The DGRI also supports the foreign relations policies issued by the President of the Honorable Chamber of Deputies of the Nation. The DRI's other functions are:
1. Assist the Director General in the performance of his duties and replace him in case of absence or impediment.
2. Assist the President of the Honorable Chamber of Deputies of the Nation in all matters related to international relations and international cooperation.
3. Promote and propose the organization of programs, congresses, meetings, assemblies and international events.
4. Intervene in the formulation of international cooperation programs, policies of international significance, and national strategies of a global nature.
5. Maintain constant contact with the Argentine delegation in the MERCOSUR Parliament.
6. Promote, in coordination with other competent state agencies, legislative relations with other states and international organizations with regulatory powers.
7. Ensure the care and conservation of the heritage assets under its charge.
Director of Parliamentary Diplomacy and International Cooperation: Luciana Términe
Email: ltermine@hcdn.gob.ar