Argentina celebrates Independence Day

Argentine Ambassador to Korea Alfredo Carlos Bascou attends a ceremony celebrating Argentina's 206th Independence Day at the Millennium Hilton Seoul, July 7. Courtesy of Embassy of Argentina in Korea

By Kwon Mee-yoo

The Embassy of Argentina in Korea celebrated the Latin American country's 206th anniversary of independence at a hotel in Seoul, Thursday.

Argentine Ambassador to Korea Alfredo Carlos Bascou expressed joy over hosting an event to celebrate the occasion in person.

The Argentine Republic's Independence Day, which falls on July 9, commemorates the country declaring independence from Spain in 1816, bringing an end to the Argentine War of Independence which began in 1810.

"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 Belgrano, Jose de San Martin and Martin Miguel de Gueme, who defended the ideals of independence to later extend that colossal effort and carry the flame of freedom to other nations of America," Ambassador Bascou said during the ceremony.

Dancers Ivana Fleitas and Mauricio Cordoba perform the tango, a dance that originated in Argentina, during a ceremony celebrating the country's 206th Independence Day at the Millennium Hilton Seoul, July 7. Courtesy of Embassy of Argentina in Korea

Argentina and Korea celebrate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year and Ambassador Bascou hope to continue deepening the friendship and cooperation in the future.

"The relationship between both countries had its genesis with the important migration of Korean citizens that settled in Argentina in 1965, which had its maximum between 1984 and 1989, which constitutes a central dimension in bilateral relations," he said. ,

"In these 60 years we have traveled a long and successful path of work… In an era when the new challenges are faced by the post-pandemic world, Argentina and Korea are the two reliable partners. We have a long road to travel to continue strengthening our relations, but we will surely do so with a positive spirit and lasting friendship that have characterized in the first 60 years."

Yeo Seung-bae, deputy foreign minister for political affairs, attended the event and delivered congratulatory remarks highlighting Argentina's role in pioneering independence and growth in Latin America and recent economic cooperation.

A variety of Argentine wines were served at the event to showcase the country's rich wine culture, and dancers Ivana Fleitas and Mauricio Cordoba performed the tango, a dance originated in Argentina.