Senator the Honourable Dr. Amery Browne, Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, and other guests were treated to a unique celebration of Argentina’s 207th Independence Day by His Excellency Marcelo Suárez Salvia, Ambassador of the Argentine Republic, on 23rd June, 2023, on board the A.R.A Libertad, one of Argentina’s naval ships, also one of the largest and tallest fast ships in the world, which has included Port of Spain as a port of call in its voyage in the Americas region over the next six months.
In welcoming guests, Ambassador Suárez spoke with pride about the importance placed by Argentinians in observing Independence Day and Flag Day in July each year. This year was extra special for Argentinians in Trinidad and Tobago for the Frigata Libertad was in port and enhanced these celebrations as the vessel was built in Argentina and carries a message of peace and friendship. This message was mirrored in relations between Trinidad and Tobago over the years. He emphasized Argentina’s high quality food and beverage exports to Trinidad and Tobago, South-South cooperation and technical assistance provided by Argentina in the agricultural sector.
In his remarks, Minister Browne extended congratulations to the Government and people of Argentina and acknowledged the fruitful bilateral engagement with Argentina in the areas of trade, science and technology, animal health, disaster preparedness, technical assistance and culture. Appreciation was also expressed for the collaboration in the regional and multilateral sphere, notably Argentina’s stewardship of CELAC in 2022 and its support to the current Presidency of CELAC.
Among the other highlights of the evening were the enthusiasm exchanged and expressed over Argentina’s FIFA World Cup Championship in 2022, a blessing by the ship’s Chaplain and music played by the ship’s band and local pannists. The ambiance of the evening was a true reflection of the long-standing friendly relationship between the Government and people of Trinidad and Tobago and Argentina.
