A double century celebration!

Islamabad: To celebrate the 208th Anniversary of the First National Government of the Argentine Republic, the ambassador Ivan Ivanissevich and spouse, Ana Walberg hosted a reception at the Shamadan Hall of the Serena Hotel. It was a well-attended affair but not too crowded – entities from different political parties were also present and most probably brushing up on their PR before elections! The guest of honour was Federal Minister for Education, Balighur Rehman.

The hall was decorated in keeping with the occasion, while the backdrop of the stage showcased a scene from a tango dance to highlight Argentina’s cultural diversity, which appeared to be the theme of the evening – even the audio-visual presentations showcased the country’s diverse natural and manmade sites and attractions, as well as their passion for football with a brief documentary, while dance - tangos and milongas, the quintessential urban music and dances of Argentina, which are perhaps the best examples of cultural diversity, were screened throughout the evening. Dinner was served and the guests relaxed and enjoyed the meal while interacting with each other and of course, the genial hosts and members of the embassy.

Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Ivanissevich said, “We are here to celebrate the 208th anniversary of the first autonomous Government, established in Buenos Aires on 25 May 1810, so a very warm welcome to all of you.” Giving a brief history of Argentina and its diverse population of immigrants who came to settle there; the instruments used to make sure that people learned the language and could absorb the culture and positively contribute to it, he said compulsory but free education became a constitutional right after the 1853 Constitution. Private schools could cater for the needs of those who could afford them as long as they satisfied the Argentine curriculum. Furthermore, freedom of religion was made compulsory. Under democratic Governments, attacks on grounds of religion or race were condemned and even today Argentina’s society –mostly superficially religious or agnostic - does not tolerate jokes on, or insults against, religious figures. On the other hand, religious sects or groups that encourage hate speech and violence or isolation from the rest of society have no place in Argentina.

“The challenge of absorbing those immigrants was complex but the end result is worth it. Today my country can show a wealth of creativity and diversity that could hardly be imagined without the contributions of all those foreign influences,” he said. “Such diversity has also led Argentina to engage from early on with countries of different cultures and historical backgrounds, hence our interest in developing from early on, our links with Pakistan. Our bilateral relations have been growing steadily and I am sure that there is potential for even further growth. We reaffirm diversity as a necessary element that promotes growth and change in our countries and the world as a whole.”

The chief guest congratulated the government of Argentina and its people on behalf of his government and people; said Argentina was one of the most important countries for Pakistan in South America and it is matter of great satisfaction that both countries have been supporting each other at different international fora, especially the UN; bilateral relations are satisfactory but there is room for improvement and trade and commerce; commercial relations; investment; cultural exchanges and people to people contacts is the best way to go about it.