Argentina reopens embassy in Dhaka after 45 years

Amidst huge crowd, Argentina's Foreign Minister Santiago Cafiero and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam on Monday inaugurated the new embassy of the South American country in Dhaka's Banani area.

"This should be a stepping stone to build better relations between the two countries," said the Argentine Foreign Minister, acknowledging the enormous love and respect shown by the people of Bangladesh for his country and footballers.

He said the people of Bangladesh never forgot Argentina but continue to raise Argentine flags showing love for Argentina and their people.

"That's why we humbly came here," said the Argentine Foreign Minister, noting that this reopening of the Embassy will create a new channel to continue the relations towards a better future.

"It's a momentous and joyous moment. The reopening of the Argentine mission in Bangladesh is not just a diplomatic gesture, but it is an emotional one as well," said Shahriar Alam, adding that it is a reflection of the strong bond of friendship that exists between the two nations and peoples.

Non-resident Ambassador of Argentina to Bangladesh Hugo Gobbi and diplomats stationed in Dhaka also joined the function.

Argentina reopened its embassy here after 45 years.

The Argentine embassy in Dhaka was closed in 1978 by the military junta that ruled the Latin American country at the time.

Diplomatic operations, such as visas in order to travel, have since been handled by the embassy in neighbouring India.

Argentina says it is convenient to reopen the embassy in accordance with foreign policy guidelines based on "political, strategic and commercial" reasons.

Shahriar Alam said it is a moment of great significance for both the nations and congratulated the Argentine government on the reopening of their mission in Bangladesh.

"I look forward to working closely with the Argentine Embassy to further strengthen our ties. The reopening of the Argentine mission will deepen the relationship between our two peoples," he said.

Shahriar said the Argentine Foreign Minister's kind presence here signifies the importance that Argentina places on their relations.