“We are convinced that a joint, strategic project is needed for mutually beneficial, long-term ties”

By Publisher Lee Kyung-sik with Reporters Kim Jung-mi, Paul Kim
Ambassador Alfredo Carlos Bascou of Argentina in Seoul said, “Since the establishment of diplomatic relations with Korea in February 1962, we have developed a good cooperation and an excellent understanding in many issues of mutual interest in the framework of the integral and cooperative relationship for joint prosperity in the 21st century.”

Speaking to a good number of Korean and international guess, as well as many members of the Seoul Diplomatic Corps, the ambassadors and their spouses in particular, at the National Day reception of Argentina at the Lotte Hotel in Seoul on July 9, 2019, Ambassador Carlos Bascou added: “Name that describes the type of path that both countries have decided to take. We are convinced that a joint and strategic project is needed for a mutually beneficial and long-term relationship.”

“Since the beginning of the administration of President Mauricio Macri,” said the Argeintine envoy, “Argentina is now a reliable partner to work with, an essential quality to create a long-term bond. And in this sense, I would like to express my best wishes to H.E President Moon Jae-In in his efforts, through dialogue and diplomacy, for the peace of the Korean Peninsula.” (See further details of his speech toward the end of this report.)

It was one of the best-attended diplomatic functions in Seoul. Among the guests attending the party were Deputy Minister Yoon Soon-Gu of the Foreign Ministry for Political Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Korea,
President Kim Jae-Kyung of the Korea-Argentina Inter-Parliamentary Friendship, President xxx of the Incheon National University, former Foreign Minister Yoon Byung-see, Chairman Seo Suk-hae of Donghwa Busienss Group, and Pulisher-Chairman of The Korea Post media (www.koreapost.com, www.koreapost.co.kr, etc.)

Excerpts from the speech of Ambassador Alfredo Carlos Bascou of Argentina:
It is my pleasure and honor to address to you in my first celebration in Korea, of a new anniversary of the independence of the Argentine Republic.
It is with deep recognition that we remember today to those men and women that 203 years ago, with effort, commitment and vision of greatness, gave birth to the movement of independence, not only in Argentina but also in all South America.

I would like to thank the Deputy Minister for Political Affairs, Mr. Yoon Soon-Gu, for accompanying us on behalf of the Korean Government.
Also, my appreciation goes to the Argentine community in Korea for its constant presence that we expect could be transformed into collaboration and to my colleagues and staff of the embassy for their daily and constant work.
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations with Korea in February 1962, we have developed a good cooperation and an excellent understanding in many issues of mutual interest in the framework of the “Integral and cooperative relationship for joint prosperity in the 21st century”

Name that describe the type of path that both countries have decided to take. Nevertheless, we are convinced that a joint and strategic project is needed for a mutually beneficial and long-term relationship.
Since the beginning of the administration of President Mauricio Macri, Argentina is now a reliable partner to work with, an essential quality to create a long-term bond.
In this sense, I would like to express my best wishes to H.E President Moon Jae-In in his efforts, through dialogue and diplomacy, for the peace of the Korean Peninsula.

Please enjoy the night and, especially, the quality of our wines as well as our national music, the Tango, performed by professional dancers of the “Korea Tango Cooperative”, with which we have opened days ago in our embassy the “School of Tango and Salastor Piazzolia” offering weekly free classes to the Korean public.
Also, we are accompanied by Miguel and Pelin, professional Tango dancers from Argentina.
Last but not least, I would like to express my sincere and special gratitude to the “Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI)”, the Argentine company “Biogenesis Gago” and the restaurant “Buenos Aires” for its invaluable patronage to make this celebration possible for them my deep and grateful appreciation…!

Excerpts from the speech of Deputy Minister Yoon Soon-Gu of the Foreign Ministry:
It is a great honor and a pleasure for me to join you in celebrating the 203rd anniversary of the National Independence of the Argentine Republic. On behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Korea, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Government and people of Argentina.
July 9 of 1816 is a historic day on which Argentina succeeded in declaring its independence. As General San Martín, a national hero of Argentina, spread the flames of independence across the Andes Mountains to Chile and Peru, Argentina’s independence was indeed a significant step towards achieving freedom, equality, and solidarity in South America.

Argentina is called “the land of God’s blessing” thanks to its vast landmass, and its tango, wine, beef, and football have gained worldwide recognition. Argentina continue to play a key role in the region and across the continent diplomatically. It successfully hosted the G20 Summit last year amidst global economic uncertainty and is now preparing to host the International Expo in 2023, the first to be held in Latin America.
Korea and Argentina have been friends and partners working together in various fields since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1962. In 1965, Argentina accepted immigrants from Korea with an open heart, now there are about 30,000 Koreans living in Argentina playing a bridging role in strengthening our relationship.

Last year, we have seen great progress in bilateral relations. Last December, for the first time in 14 years, Korea and Argentina held a summit in Buenos Aires and reaffirmed ‘Comprehensive and Cooperative Relationship for Joint Prosperity in the 21st Century’. On this occasion, the two countries signed the Working Holiday Agreement and the Social Security Agreement, paving the way for expanding human exchanges. In the economic field, the Korea-MERCOSUR Trade Agreement negotiations have been smooth sailing under the leadership of Argentina, the chair country of MERCOSUR in the first-half of this year.
Furthermore, I am happy that cultural exchanges between our two countries have also been growing recently. An increasing number of Koreans are visiting Argentina every year to appreciate and experience its magnificent nature, such as the Iguazu Falls and the Moreno Glacier. Argentina’s Malbec wine, Matte tea, and Tango music have seeped deeper into the daily lives of Koreans as well.

In Argentina, K-pop and Korean TV series are becoming the focus of greate interest. With such brisk cultural exchange between the two countries, Korea reopened the Korean Cultural Center in November last year by restoring the historic Bencich Palace in central Buenos Aires. I look forward to having more Argentinians visit the Korean Cultural Center and experience Korean culture.
I heard that 20th of July is the day of friendship in Argentina and all restaurants across the country are crowded with gatherings of friends on that day. This shows how much Argentinans value friendship. Likewise, I hope that Korea and Argentina endeavor to forge an ever closer, stronger and mutually beneficial relationship.

In closing, I offer, once again, my sincere congratulations on the 203rd anniversary of the National Independence of Argentina. I wish continued prosperity for the Republic of Argentina and a lasting bond of friendship between our two countries.