The meeting between the governor of Neuquén, Rolando Figueroa, and the elected president of Uruguay, Yamandú Orsi, set the regional energy agenda and aimed to position the gas and oil from the Neuquén basin. The future secretary of the presidency, Alejandro Sánchez, and the chancellor Mario Lubetkin also participated in the meeting.
"We come to build trust so that our resources can be used for the benefit of Latin American integration," Figueroa assured, emphasizing the possibility of achieving a "win-win" by monetizing the subsurface. The governor detailed that the possibility of Uruguay purchasing gas from Vaca Muerta was specifically discussed, highlighting the interest of the neighboring country and its ambition to obtain gas from the pipeline going to Brazil.
Figueroa also mentioned the importance of rebuilding trust in regional energy relations, recalling the need to respect signed contracts, which did not happen in a prior situation with Chile. Following the meeting, it was scheduled to continue work in a technical table that would include representatives from Argentina and Uruguay, along with the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources of Neuquén, Gustavo Medele.
During the meeting, the potential benefit for Uruguay in accessing gas from Vaca Muerta was discussed, which could improve energy costs for industry and domestic gas supply. Orsi expressed his admiration for Neuquén and his commitment to visit the province in the future, highlighting the importance of materializing true regional integration.
In the meeting, Figueroa's prior visit to the president of Brazil, Lula Da Silva, and his conversations with executives from Brazilian energy companies in Houston were mentioned. During 2024, investments in Vaca Muerta exceeded 9 billion dollars, allowing for increased oil and gas production in the region. Governor Figueroa was invited to the inauguration of the elected president of Uruguay, and it was agreed to continue negotiations at a technical table to further advance regional energy integration.
