Argentina Ambassador visits SVG

25.MAY.07

Ambassador Agustin Colombo Sierra, Under Secretary for Latin America and the Caribbean of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship of the Argentina Republic, paid a one-day Official Visit to St. Vincent and the Grenadines on Monday, May 21, 2007.{{more}}

The delegation paid a brief courtesy call on the Prime Minister Dr. the Honorable Ralph Gonsalves and held discussions with the Honorable Sir Louis Straker, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Commerce and Trade.

During those discussions, the Honorable Minister, Sir Louis provided the delegation with a broad overview of the development thrust of the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, particularly the work being done in education – ensuring universal access to secondary education, and introduction of Spanish in the Primary Schools.

Sir Louis also spoke of the ongoing project for the construction of an International Airport at Argyle, with assistance from friendly countries. He also spoke of the challenges faced by our country in tackling crime and drug trafficking, and the trade in illegal and small arms, which pose serious threats to national security.

Ambassador Colombo Sierra expressed the desire of Argentina to address bi-lateral as well as regional and multilateral issues but particularly to see where both countries can match needs and abilities working through the Argentina Fund or Horizonal Cooperation. Areas highlighted for possible cooperation included:-

Education and training for the teaching of Spanish; the provision of undergraduate scholarship for Vincentian Students and participation in community – based disaster management programmes through Argentina’s White Helmets Commission.

Both sides expressed satisfaction with the discussions held and promised to follow up on those discussions through the diplomatic channel. (API)