The Tribune

THE Bahamas is entering into a technical co-operation agreement with Argentina.

Governor-General Sir Arthur Foulkes made this announcement as he accepted the credentials of Ariel Fernandez as Ambassador of the Republic of Argentina during a ceremony at Government House.

The Bahamas and Argentina have enjoyed a cordial relationship since 1974, “which we highly value and which we remain committed to deepening through our shared values of peace, human rights and democracy,” Sir Arthur said.

He noted that Argentina has clearly demonstrated these shared values in its role on the United Nations Security Council and also on the United Nations Human Rights Council.

“It is our intention to strengthen and increase bilateral and multilateral co-operation. We look forward to the conclusion of the technical co-operation agreement between our two countries with the aim of enhancing our mutually beneficial relationship,” Sir Arthur said.

Ambassador Fernandez also serves as envoy to Antigua and Barbuda, the Commonwealth of Dominica, and St Kitts and Nevis, as well as Permanent Representative of Argentina to the International Seabed Authority.

In this regard, Sir Arthur thanked the government of Argentina for its continued co-operation and commitment to the Bahamas and its sister CARICOM States.

“As Small Island Developing States, we regard as most commendable the initiatives facilitated by your government in the region.

“We are grateful that Argentina understands the circumstances of our countries as we seek to overcome economic and environmental challenges and aspire to achieve sustainable development,” Sir Arthur said.

Recognising that Ambassador Fernandez has served his country with distinction as a career diplomat, Sir Arthur also applauded his work in economic affairs and agricultural development.

“Your expertise and experience make you well-suited to the task of deepening the relationship between our two countries and I trust that you will be successful in your endeavours.

“In this regard, please be assured of my assistance and that of my office wherever possible,” Sir Arthur said.

Ambassador Fernandez, 52, was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on December 1, 1961. He has served in varied areas in the diplomatic service and in trade, agriculture and fisheries, economics and other related areas.

Argentina also hopes to broaden relations with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the South American Community Nations (UNASUR) and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC).

Ambassador Fernandez said it is unfortunate that economic and commercial relations between Argentina and the Bahamas have not yet attained the levels expected.

“For this reason, I believe that we should also work towards a situation where the private sectors of our respective countries can intensify their contacts with a view to broadening economic and commercial relations,” he said.

Ambassador Fernandez assured the Governor-General that he would work to enhance collaboration with the Bahamas in whatever way possible.

“I would like to express my profound gratitude for all the courtesies extended to me during my stay in the Bahamas,” he said.