Argentina and Paraguay expedite OECD membership applications

Argentina has formally initiated the technical phase of its bid to join the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), submitting its "initial memorandum" to the Paris-based body. The document, a preliminary self-assessment of the country's alignment with international standards, was delivered by Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno to OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann, who is currently visiting Buenos Aires.