H.E Leopoldo Sahores presented credentials to the President of Pakistan Dr Arif Alvi, on June 2021. Observer Diplomat Magazine has interviewed the Ambassador of Argentina to Pakistan to understand the bilateral relations between Pakistan- Argentina, accomplishments since the beginning of diplomatic relations and since he assumed his position, opportunities and projects to be executed by the two countries.
With his tenure marking a crucial period in bilateral relations, Ambassador Sahores shared valuable insights into the accomplishments, challenges, and future prospects of the diplomatic ties between Pakistan and Argentina. As a testament to his significant contributions, this interview serves as a poignant record of Ambassador Sahores’ impactful work, offering readers a unique glimpse into the dynamic and evolving relationship between the two nations.
Here are the excerpts from the Interview:
1. It is known that Argentina is one of the first Latin American countries in establishing diplomatic relations with Pakistan. How would you evaluate the relationship built between Argentina and Pakistan?
It is right that Argentina was one of the first Latin American countries in establishing diplomatic relations with Pakistan, since 1951, we celebrated the 70 anniversary of diplomatic relations last year 2021. We first established in Karachi and then we moved to Islamabad at the end of the 60s.
There are not many Latin American countries in Pakistan, so to some extent through our embassy we also showcase what Latin America is. As for bilateral relations there has been very good links and share values between Argentina and Pakistan. Because of Argentina support to Pakistan in the International forum in the 70s, as a sign of recognition, Pakistan inaugurated the Argentina Park, which is the oldest park established in the city of Islamabad in sector G-6.
Last year, October 5, 2021, there was a ceremony at the Argentina Park with Foreign Minister where there were planted 7 plants, 3 from Argentina and 4 from Pakistan, to celebrated the 70 years of diplomatic relations between both countries.
We have developed people to people relations, in terms of sports, for example Polo, where polo coaches have come to train teams in Pakistan, and students have gone to get trained in Argentina, or football. Also there has been different agriculture projects, continuous exports and imports, and cultural projects.
2. How do you think both countries can push culture and tourism?
As I mentioned before, sports such as polo or football are a great platform to promote tourism between two countries. Through cinema we could showcase some Argentinian films so people can get closer to the culture. We are currently trying to participate in the Lahore literary festival. We are also thinking to bring some of the most important books translated into english to publish them in Pakistan, so pakistani readers can have maybe what it can be their first approach to argentine literature. Finally, Spanish language can be the best way to expose our culture and enhance people to travel, so we are trying to promote the language through the development of courses, and spanish language certificates.
3. Can you expand more on the current projects Argentina is working with Pakistan?
In terms of sports, we want to promote football in Pakistan, and specially with female football teams as women empowerment initiative. On this regard the embassy is working in partnership with Human Right Commission in Pakistan and also UN Woman, and NGOs in how to implement possible ways of cooperation. I have personally met UN Woman Representative to Pakistan Ms Sharmeela Rassool , and we have discover a female football team in Quetta that wants to be trained properly, this is a good opportunity for us to help them to be trained and also be empowered as woman, so we are looking to bring a female football coach from Argentina for this purpose in 2023. We have also been in touch with the Pakistani football player Karishma Ali to be part of the project.
In terms of Spanish language, right now we are looking forward to sign an MOU with NUML University, which is one of the universities that teach spanish as a foreign language, so we want to provide an international spanish exam to certificate the language, in this case we want to implement our Argentinian spanish certificate exam called CELU (Certificado de Español Lengua y Uso) which is the only exam officially recognized by the Argentina Ministry of Education and the Argentina Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship.
As I mentioned before, we would like to participate in the Lahore literary festival. We are very excited to bring Argentina to the festival as this is a good platform to showcase our culture. No Latin American country has participated in the festival so far, thus it would be a great accomplishment if Argentina can be present. Dance it is a good way to promote our culture, tango is our landmark dance and we hope to get pakistani people more familiar with it. On the other side we have been working in Agricultural projects with Pakistan. We know Pakistan has a huge potential in this regard, but when it comes to food security is still not that efficient, so we want to help Pakistan to face this constraint through technical training and support. It is matter of time and to always follow up.
4. Do you think there are potential opportunities to expand trade cooperation and investment?
Argentina export to Pakistan mainly cotton, commodities, vegetable oils, medicines, iron and steel, tools, and chemicals. Pakistan export to Argentina mainly textiles, paper, and surgical instruments. There is definitely a surplus for Argentina, but we see opportunities for Pakistan to increase its exports.
This interview with His Excellency Leopoldo Sahores, the Ambassador of Argentina to Pakistan, serves as a testament to his impactful work and the significant milestones achieved during his tenure. As we bid farewell to Ambassador Sahores, the dialogue captured here sheds light on the dynamic and evolving relationship between Pakistan and Argentina. The exchange delves into the historical foundations of their diplomatic ties, showcasing the enduring friendship and shared values. Moreover, Ambassador Sahores outlines diverse projects spanning sports, culture, language promotion, and agriculture, indicating the robust collaboration between the two nations. This interview not only encapsulates the achievements and challenges faced by Ambassador Sahores but also provides a valuable resource for understanding the potential for future growth and cooperation between Pakistan and Argentina.
The interview was previously published in the Fall 2022 issue “New World Order”
Click here for more information
Follow the Embassy of Argentina in Pakistan for more updates
