The president-elect of Argentina, Fernando de la Rua, has held talks with the British Prime Minister Tony Blair, during the Socialist International meeting.

British government officials said Mr Blair stressed his wish to build upon the improving relationship between the two countries.

Mr Blair said that while Britain's position on the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands remained unchanged, it was important that Anglo-Argentine relations were not defined solely by this issue.

Mr de la Rua expressed his desire to continue the search for a negotiated solution on the future of the islands.