Ambassador of the Argentine Republic to Barbados, Gustavo Martinez Pandiani, addressing the gathering while Minister of International Business and Industry, Ronald Toppin, listens on.
Barbados, Argentina continuing good bilateral relations
There continues to be a steady increase in bilateral engagements and a marked enhancement of collaboration between Barbados and Argentina.
Minister of International Business and Industry, Ronald Toppin, highlighted this as he addressed a recent Cocktail Reception to celebrate Argentina’s National Day at the Argentine residence. This event was attended by Governor General Dame Sandra Mason, current and former members of parliament, dignitaries and heads of local organisations.
Toppin stated over the years the two countries have collaborated in areas such as “education, agriculture, the development of small and medium-sized businesses and more recently sports”. He however said over time, the “most active engagement has been in the area of technical co-operation”. An area, he noted, has “increased actually exponentially” since the Ambassador’s arrival.
“You have not only sought to deepen relations, but also to expand areas of collaboration. Ambassador Pandiani, if your level of commitment is typical of what your country ascribes to your bilateral relations, then the relationship between Barbados and Argentina can only grow from strength to strength. Therefore, not only have we witnessed an increase in cultural co-operation, but the stage is set for even greater things to happen between our two countries.”
His kind comments were accepted by Ambassador of the Argentine Republic to Barbados, Gustavo Martinez Pandiani. In his own remarks, he spoke about the achievements Barbados and Argentina collectively have accomplished during the past year. Included in his list was the inaugural performance of an Argentine reggae singer, who performed during the 2018 Crop Over Festival.
He additionally highlighted the establishment of an Argentina Tango Club and the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two countries’ football and cricket associations. He added they “are currently working on bringing together boxers, netballers, wrestlers and Polo players from both countries”. (MG)