Many European leaders publicly expressed support for the new government of Macri . German Chancellor Angela Merkel congratulated Macri and requested that he make a state visit to Germany . She added that the two countries have " always been deeply tied " , particularly in the area of science , which she deemed " one of the pillars " of the two countries ' relations . Merkel also remarked that she would be " thankful " if the countries could strengthen cooperation " in all areas " . Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy , who has a close relationship with Macri , congratulated him and invited him to carry out a state visit " as soon as possible " , stating that he is confident that the new government will " lead this new stage with success " while offering " the necessary support to consolidate the historical ties of friendship , fraternity and cooperation " . The relationship between Spain and Argentina had become increasingly tense under the presidency of Cristina Kirchner , particularly after the Renationalization of YPF in 2012 . In a telegram to Macri , Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his hopes that the two countries will continue to increase the " bilateral cooperation within diverse areas and the coordination of efforts to resolve current occurrences within the international agenda " , adding that " the fundamental interests of the people of Russia and Argentina contribute to guarantee the stability and security of Latin America and the world " , while reminding Macri that the countries had recently celebrated 130 years of diplomatic relations . Putin also made reference to the ongoing nuclear power and hydrocarbon extraction projects between the countries . In February 2016 , Macri received the President of Bulgaria , Rosen Plevneliev , at the Casa Rosada in Buenos Aires . Both leaders spoke of investments in each country ; Plevneliev also met with entrepreneurs and visited the National Congress
Renationalization of YPF
Renationalization of YPF
Presidency of Mauricio Macri