Argentine embassy celebrates 207 years of independence

Ambassador of Argentina to Korea Alfred Bascou, right, and Ambassador and Deputy Minister for Climate Change in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Kim Hyo-eun listen to Argentine and Korean national anthems during Argentina's Independence Day reception at Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, July 6. Courtesy of Embassy of Argentina in Korea

By Kwon Mee-yoo

The Embassy of Argentina in Korea hosted a celebration for Argentina's Independence Day, July 6.

This occasion marks the historic declaration of independence on July 9, 1816, which liberated the united provinces of the Rio de la Plata from the Spanish monarchy.

Argentine Ambassador to Korea Alfred Bascou reflected on Argentina's journey of independence and the global challenges both countries face, specifically climate change, during his speech at Four Seasons Hotel Seoul.

"Our world is facing new challenges which are affecting human life in a very negative way. Today I would like to refer to one of them, which I believe is of the utmost importance, climate change," Bascou said.

The Argentine ambassador emphasized the importance of the global community continuing its collaborative efforts to address the complex, multidimensional challenges presented by climate change and the quest for carbon neutrality.

"In particular, Argentina and Korea can develop mutually valuable cooperation, which will strengthen the position of both countries towards a future in which renewable energies and critical minerals will have a broad impact in the dynamics of the world economy," he said.

"In this regard, last week, POSCO Holdings started the construction of its new lithium production plant in the Salar del Hombre Muerto in the north of our country, which will have a production capacity of 25,000 tons per year in 2025," he added, highlighting an example of cooperation between Korea and Argentina in tackling climate change.

Bascou also expressed gratitude, as this was his final celebration of Argentina's Independence Day in Korea before his ambassadorial tenure concludes in July.

Two dancers tango during Argentina's Independence Day reception at Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, July 6. Courtesy of Embassy of Argentina in Korea

On behalf of the Korean government, Ambassador and Deputy Minister for Climate Change in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Kim Hyo-eun noted the longstanding friendship between Korea and Argentina that has its origins in the 1950-53 Korean War and which now flourishes in strong political, economic and cultural ties.

"When Prime Minister Han Duck-soo made an official visit to Argentina, he met with President Alberto Fernandez. On that occasion, both leaders reaffirmed their strong commitment to the bilateral partnership and agreed to further promote cooperation in a variety of sectors such as critical minerals and renewable energy. As ambassador and deputy minister for climate change, I find it particularly encouraging that Korea and Argentina are currently engaged in substantial cooperation in the field of critical minerals, which are essential for the global clean energy transition," Kim said.

"I'm happy to see that Korea and Argentina are united in strong friendship in these times of political and economic transformation. And I'm sure that we will continue to build a strong and enduring partnership in the future."