Reception to celebrate Argentina Independence Day

Islamabad
To celebrate the 205th anniversary of the independence of his country, the ambassador of Argentina, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Rodolfo Martin Saravia hosted a reception at the Serena Hotel. The event was attended by diplomats and many of his Pakistani friends from different walks of life. The guest of honour was Federal Minister for Defence Production Rana Tanveer Hussain and the cake cutting ceremony was held after the national anthems of Pakistan and Argentina had been played.
While it was the National Day — an occasion which it is essential for any country to celebrate — the atmosphere was somewhat on the somber side because of the unfortunate accident earlier in the month in which several people, including diplomats lost their lives while on a trip to the Northern Areas of Pakistan. Except for the blue and white flowers — the colours of the Argentinean flag — and the backdrop showing the presidential palace, other signs of celebration had been left out as a mark of respect to those who lost their lives.
Addressing the gathering, the host said the first independent government back in May 25th 1810 was the starting point of the final Independence which took place six years later on 9th July. He went on to say Argentina enjoys the longest Diplomatic Relations with Pakistan by nominating the first Consul in 1948 in Karachi 64 years ago and the relations between the two countries have been excellent with a common stand on issues in international forums. “The geographical distance between our countries never hindered our relations,” he said. “I am very happy to say that during my eleven wonderful years in Pakistan, these bilateral relations have seen an enormous improvement, which is the result of the efforts by embassy members, both Argentineans and locals and the excellent coordination with the authorities of the Pakistani Government.
“But today, besides celebrating my National Day, I feel obliged, in my capacity as the Dean, to say few words about the tragic incident which occurred recently and became one of the saddest events faced by the diplomatic community in this country. The original plan was to make a fantastic trip to the Northern Areas of Pakistan and enjoy the beauties of the region as well as experience the traditional generosity and friendship of the people of that area. But unfortunately, tragedy struck, resulting in the loss of precious lives of our dear colleagues and three officers of the Pakistan Army. We pray to God for their departed souls and wish for the speedy recovery of those who were physically or psychologically injured in this sad episode.”
He concluded by saying he did know how long he will stay in Pakistan as he’ll be completing 12 years and reach the age of 70 next year in August — the time of his retirement and probably the moment to say good bye to Pakistan, which is his second home. “I also use this opportunity to offer my gratitude to the Government of Pakistan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, my colleagues of the Diplomatic Community, all my friends and the media community for the constant support to me and my embassy during all these years, he said. “ Lastly, it has always been my desire to have on stage the representatives of the whole American Continent, and you can see today we have the envoys of Canada, US, Cuba, Brazil and the Honorary Consuls of Columbia, Peru, Paraguay and Uruguay. I thank you all for joining me on this occasion.”
The guest of honour responded with complimentary remarks about the ambassador and his role in improving bilateral relations between the two countries.