“We mark a new anniversary of our declaration of independence in 1816”

By Publisher Lee Kyung-sik 
Ambassador Alfredo Carlos Bascou of the Argentine Republic in Seoul said, "On July 9th, we commemorate a new anniversary of the declaration of independence that happened in 1816, which marked the end of the dependence of the united provinces of the Rio De La Plata from the Spanish Monarchy.”
Speaking at a reception Ambassador and Mrs. Bascou hosted at the Grand Hyatt Seoul on July 7, Ambassador Bascou added, “This declaration was the fruit of long years of struggle, which was marked by victories and defeats.” He said, “The so long-wanted emancipation was the dream of our greatest heroes: Manuel Belgarano, Jose De san Martin and Martin Miguel De Guemes, who defended the ideals of independence to later extend that colossal effort and carry the flame of freedom to other nations of America.”

In particular, Ambassador Bascou stated: “This year 2022 has a special importance for us as the Republic of Argentina and the Republic of Korea are celebrating the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.” (See further details of the speech of Ambassador Bascou in the latter part of this report.)
The reception was attended many distinguished guests from all walks of life in Seoul as well as a good number of ambassadors and their spouses from the Seoul Diplomatic Corps. They included Ambassadors Julian Clair of Ireland, Delwar Hossain of Bangladesh, Frode Solberg of Norway, Sami Al Subhan of Saudi Arabia, Cezar Manole Armeanu of Romania and Petrico Filer of Italy. There also were non-ambassadorial senior diplomats who included Second Secretary Tony Palmer of the British Embassy in Seoul.
Among the Korean guests in attendance were Deputy Minister Yeo Seung-bae for Political Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Korea and leading figures from many segments of Korean society, including the media whence also came Publisher-Chairman Lee Kyung-sik of The Korea Post media.

Following the speech of Ambassador Bascou came a congratulatory speech by Deputy Minister Yeo Seung-bae for Political Affairs at the MOFAT of Korea, who said, “The independence of Argentina in 1816 is a historical event that cannot be simplified by the separation of Spanish America, which was created by geopolitical changes in the Napoleonic era.” Then he said, “The May Revolution, which established the first Argentine autonomous government, Prima Junta, was possible because of the collective reason and wisdom accumulated by pioneers such as Manuel Belgrano. Prima Junta won the War of Independence against the old system and eventually declared heartwarming independence on July 9, 1816.”

Then he said, “Korea wants to walk together with Argentina in the path of coexistence and prosperity as the best partners in the construction of Argentina.” (See excerpts from the speech of Deputy Minister Yeo toward the end of this article.)
According to the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other related sources, Argentina is a major country in the Latin American region with a population of 44 million people, a domestic market and a vast territory of about 2.8 million km2.

Argentina is a global food warehouse that produces about 100 million tons of grain every year in the Pampa Plain, known as one of the world's three largest granaries.
In addition, Argentina possesses abundant energy and mineral resources such as petroleum, natural gas, gold, silver, copper, and lithium, and has various tourism resources such as Malbec wine, tango, and soccer.

Speech of Ambassador Alfredo Bascou of Argentina:
It is a pleasure and honor for me to address very brief words on the occasion of the 206th anniversary of the independence of the Argentine republic. 
Fortunately, the Pandemic has diminished, which allows us to meet in a face-to face mode.
However, other challenges have arisen in the international context, therefore in the name of the Argentine Republic, we express our solidarity with the people of Ukraine and ask for the full respect of human rights.
Next July 9th we commemorate a new anniversary of the declaration of independence that happened in 1816, which marked the end of the dependence of the united provinces of the Rio De La Plata from the Spanish Monarchy.
This declaration was the fruit of long years of struggle, which was marked by victories and defeats. The so long-wanted emancipation was the dream of our greatest heroes: Manuel Belgarano, Jose De san Martin and Martin Miguel De Guemes, who defended the ideals of independence to later extend that colossal effort and carry the flame of freedom to other nations of America.

This year 2022 has a special importance for us as the Republic of Argentina and the Republic of Korea are celebrating the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.
In this sense, the relationship between both countries had its genesis with the important migration of Korean citizens that settled in Argentina in 1965 and which had its maximum between 1984 and 1989, which constitutes a central dimension in bilateral relations. In addition, in these 60 years we have traveled a long and successful path of work, whose maximum expression is the comprehensive association that both countries have maintained since 2004, forged on the basis of friendship and cooperation, which we hope to continue deepening in the future.
The new challenges posed by the post-pandemic world find in Argentina and Korea two reliable partners.
We have a long road to travel to continue strengthening our links, but we will surely do so with a positive sprit and lasting friendship that have characterized these first 60 years.
Dear Friends,
Please enjoy the night and especially, the quality of our wines, as well as our national music. The tango, by the hand of the professional dance couple formed by Mrs. Ivana Fleitas and Mr. Mauricio Cordoba, as well as the music played by the “Alma Tango Project” quartet.

Last and no leas, I would like to acknowledge the “POSCO Holdings” company, the Argentine firm “Biogenesis Bago” and “Baires Entertainment” for their kind sponsorship to make this celebration possible, and to the Millennium Hilton Seoul Hotel for their stellar customer service. Also, to the importers for their wines.
In a particular way, I want to thank my wife Marta who actively collaborated in this event and in many others throughout my years of diplomatic career.
Thank you so much for joining us in this celebration that is for you! 
Thank you.

Excerpts from the speech of Korean Deputy Foreign Minister Yeo Seung-bae:
Ambassador Alfredo Bascou of Argentina, ambassadors, distinguished guests and ladies and gentlemen!
I am delighted to be present at this meeting on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea in commemoration of the 206th anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Argentina. I would like to express my hearty congratulations on behalf of the government and people of the Republic of Korea.
The independence of Argentina in 1816 is a historical event that cannot be simplified by the separation of Spanish America, which was created by geopolitical changes in the Napoleonic era.
Despite the press repression by the colonialists, pioneering, Criolos have already embraced European enlightenment and republicanism.

And Argentina caused revolution in May 1810, declaring a de facto independence.
The May Revolution, which established the first Argentine autonomous government, Prima Junta, was possible because of the collective reason and wisdom accumulated by pioneers such as Manuel Belgrano.
Prima Junta won the War of Independence against the old system and eventually declared heartwarming independence on July 9, 1816.
It also played a leading role in advancing the independence of other countries in Latin America.
Distinguished guests
This year is the 60th year since Korea and Argentina have established diplomatic relations.
In 1962, Korea had to overcome the ruins of the war and seek survival and industrial modernization in the Cold War era.
Argentina then held Korea's hand, and the two countries have built a steady friendship since then.

In February, the two leaders exchanged letters celebrating the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations and emphasized cooperation in various fields such as economy, science, and resource development.
In particular, I am very encouraged that practical cooperation between Korea and Argentina is underway in the process of restructuring the global supply chain.
In March of this year, POSCO started construction of the Ombremuerto Ritum Salt Lake development plant in Salta, Argentina.

At the groundbreaking ceremony, POSCO announced a US$4 billion additional investment plan, which will further strengthen economic security and future industrial cooperation between the two countries.
At the end of this month, the 8th Korea-Argentina high-level policy consultation meeting will be held in Seoul to celebrate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations, and a wide range of discussions will be held on future-oriented relationship development.
Distinguished guests
When President Alberto Fernandez took office in 2019, he proposed to build Argentina, where everyone is given due qualification. He also emphasized solidarity and equality in society.
The Republic of Korea wants to walk together with Argentina in the path of coexistence and prosperity as the best partners in the construction of Argentina.
Once again, we heartily express our congratulations the 206th anniversary of Argentina's independence, and pray for continued development of the Korea-Argentina relations.
Deputy Minister Yeo Seung-bae for Political Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea.