BUENOS AIRES, Argentina: A Joint Reception was held at the historic San Martin Palace in Buenos Aires to mark 70 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Argentina.
The Ceremony was jointly led by the Vice Foreign Minister of Argentina H.E. Ambassador Pablo Tettamanti and Ambassador of Pakistan H.E. Dr. Muhammad Khalid Ejaz.
Welcoming the guests, Ambassador Dr. Ejaz mentioned that a similar event was organized at Islamabad wherein Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi planted seven trees in Argentine Park.
The ambassador said that Pakistan-Argentina bilateral relations were on an upward trajectory. Recently held Bilateral Political Consultations and Joint Commission meetings would deepen bilateral cooperation in trade, agriculture, forestry, and pharmaceutical sectors.
The ambassador stated that both the countries have a common passion for hockey, mountaineering and polo. Pakistan winning the 1978 Hockey World Cup in Buenos Aires’ Campo de Polo was a historical moment. Mountaineers from Argentina have climbed K2, the second highest peak of the world, multiple times. This year, a ceremonial Polo match is being organised at Lahore where Pakistani and Argentine players will face each other.
Ambassador Dr. Khalid Ejaz mentioned that Prime Minister Imran Khan’s policies had paid dividends as Pakistan’s economy grew by 3.94% in 2020-21 despite pandemic conditions. He mentioned that Pakistan’s liberal trade regime and a large consumer market bring robust economic opportunities for Argentine businesses. He elucidated that Pakistan produced high quality textile, sports goods and surgical instruments which could find a good market in Argentina. Dr. Ejaz expressed Pakistan’s commitment in developing a broad and multifaceted partnership with Argentina.
The ambassador underscored that Pakistan was focusing on imperatives of geoeconomics and pursuing policies to promote peace, development, partnerships, and regional connectivity. Pakistan and Argentina enjoyed a shared world view, and common perspectives on issues of global significance. The two countries believe that a multilateral order with the UN, at its core, remains indispensable to address a myriad of complex, and interconnected challenges confronting the international community.
The ambassador mentioned that the international community had a key role to play in averting risks to peace and stability in South Asia and facilitating a just and lasting solution to the Jammu & Kashmir dispute, in accordance with the UNSC resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people. He welcomed Argentina joining the UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) in 2021.
Highlighting Pakistan’s commitment to combat climate change, Dr. Ejaz mentioned Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Ten Billion Tree programme which had gained international acclaim and hoped for increasing collaboration between Pakistan and Argentina in afforestation and other similar projects.
The Vice Foreign Minister of the Argentine Republic H.E. Ambassador Pablo Tettamanti highlighted the progress made in recent years to strengthen bilateral relationship, promote trade and investment, and identify new projects in forestry, agriculture, and technology for collaboration. Referring to the common vision of the two countries, he expressed the desire to further strengthen ties and diversify them.
Ambassador Khalid Ejaz presented special mementos to the Vice Foreign Minister especially designed for the occasion.
A video with commentary in Spanish language on Pakistan’s culture, tourism, textile, manufacturing, and IT sectors was also displayed which captivated the audience.
The reception was attended by ambassadors, senior government officials, and people from civil society, media, think tanks, and businesses.
The dignitaries were entertained with traditional Pakistani cuisine.
