Argentinian delegation visits SVG

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Consumer Affairs Andreas Wickham has noted that the foreign policies of this country and Argentina have a lot in common.{{more}}

Wickham, speaking at a special meeting between senior members of the local public service and a two-member delegation visiting from the South American country, said that there a number of commonalities in respect of the countries’ foreign policies and objectives.

The delegation, which comprised Maria Laura Falotico and Andrea DeFornasari, held discussions with the officials and technical experts on the first day of their visit (Monday May 23) and on the following day, the Argentinians visited the Argyle International Airport site, where they held talks with Dr. Rudy Matthias, head of the International Airport Development Corporation.

The Permanent Secretary called the visit and talks an important milestone for the two countries, which established diplomatic relations in October 1983.

He said that, in the last decade, the two countries have embraced each other openly and have since worked together on the international scene, because of their similarity in policies and respect for each other.

“Both countries strongly believe in the role of international law, respect for human rights, equity and fairness in the international trade regimes, and the principles of dialogue and consensus to resolve the burning issues which are now prevalent in the political environment.”

“Above all, both countries have strongly advocated for the democratization of the decision making system at the United Nations and will continue to work with other like-minded states in ensuring that this democratization process sits high on the agenda of the United Nations General Assembly.”

According to Wickham, the cooperation between the two countries has led to a number of agreements over the years, including visa exemption for Vincentians traveling to Argentina, as well as basic scientific and technical agreements.

“The provision of technical assistance by the Argentine Republic to St. Vincent and the Grenadines is one manifestation of this agreement and both countries are seeking to build on this initiative and to cooperate on areas of trade, tourism, culture, education, information, communication, technology, and other areas of mutual benefit.”

“It is with these areas of cooperation in mind that I see the visit as being enormously significant for St. Vincent and the Grenadines. I see it also as the start of a process which can open up tremendous opportunities, not only for us here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, but also for the Argentine republic.”

Maria Laura Falotico, speaking on behalf of the Argentine delegation, said that her country has great interest in deepening cooperative relationships with this country.

“We are really very glad to be here to develop our first technical mission and to start working together.”

“Within this technical framework, we are here to work with all of you on your projects, which will be presented to the Argentine government and carried out through the Argentine fund.”(JJ)