TODAY.AZ / Politics

Diplomatic Pouch: Interview with Mr. Carlos Dante Riva, Argentine Ambassador to Baku

22 May 2015 [09:37] - TODAY.AZ

/By AzerNews/

By Gulgiz Dadashova

“Argentina and Azerbaijan are world references in different aspects”

Mr. Carlos Dante Riva, Argentine Ambassador to Baku, tells AzerNews about Argentina-Azerbaijan cooperation, touching upon ways to develop bilateral ties, economy and Baku 2015.

Question: Mr. Ambassadoryou are the first ambassador of Argentina to Azerbaijan. What can you tell us about your achievements over the past months in this capacity?

Answer: Since the opening of the Embassy we have achieved major advances in the bilateral relationship among our two countries and by doing so we have made a significant contribution to the strengthening of our ties of friendship and cooperation.

Not only have we signed different agreements at governmental level in economy, science agriculture, among others, but we have also brought together our people through mutual knowledge. In this direction we have organized numerous cultural presentations of argentine music, art, sport and of course the world-known tango. Furthermore, we are working with the Museum of Modern Art on a possible Argentine engravings exhibition in September. Another project we are working on, with the help of the Azerbaijan Translation Centre, is the translation of Argentine books into Azerbaijani, specifically “La invención de Morel” of Adolfo Bioy Casares and one about the history of Tango.

Within the business sector we have actively taken part in exhibitions such as tourism, food and information technology and we are constantly exploring new opportunities that could complement our two economies. The Embassy works hard to facilitate the exchange of business delegations in both ways and to offer as much information as possible in order to enhance trade and economic ties.

Health, agriculture, space and nuclear sectors offer remarkable opportunities for Argentine companies, which are currently exploring ways to engage with Azerbaijani counterparts.

Of course, there is much more to be done but I am more than confident that we are on the right path for boosting the bilateral relations.

Q: How could you describe the perspectives for developing Argentina’s economic and political relations with Azerbaijan?

A: I would describe the relationship as amicable and cooperative. Both countries have much in common and plenty to learn from each other while developing the relationship. Last year we conducted a meeting of bilateral commission on a wide range of subjects, such as agriculture, renewable energy and medical products, as well as international cooperation and economic integration. Both countries are looking forward to the next meeting of the bilateral commission which should take place next year.

Economically speaking, there is much room to be explored. Though incipient, our bilateral commerce can be improved and strengthen. Our economies are complementary; our productive structures are complementary and even our markets are complementary. We only need to take a few steps towards a mutual cooperation and the results will speak by themselves.

Argentina recognizes the effort Azerbaijan is making in order to position itself as a strategic trade and logistic platform amidst Occident and Central/Far East. This fact is rather relevant for Argentine exports in the Caucasus and Central Asia.

Politically, prospects are more than promising, especially if we take into account that both Argentina and Azerbaijan have a preeminent role in their respective regions and are world references in different aspects. We can share and learn from each other values and thoughts on sustainable development, environmental protection and so on.

Q: What are the major areas of cooperation? What would you like to see developing both in economic and political fields?

A: Economic and political relations have a supplementary interaction. Thus, by increasing one we will be developing the other and sooner than later our two countries will enjoy its benefits.

Argentina is one of the largest food producers in the world. With more than 200 years of history, our agricultural sector is a world leader in quality and productivity. We are at the technological frontier in every step of the food processing chain: genetic improvement and development of beneficial properties of crops, agricultural machinery, information and technology applied to processes and products, plagues control and animal vaccines, harvesting technology and handling and processing of meats and dairy products.

We have expertise in iron, steel, compressed natural gas (CNG), pharmaceutical products and chemicals. We have also achieved a mature scientific and technological development in strategic fields such as nuclear energy and satellites. All of which we are sharing with other countries worldwide.

Argentina is keen on promoting the mutual cooperation in these, and many other fields, and trusts that by tightening the relationship among countries we will have much more to share.

Q: Do you regard the current state of tourism business between the two countries as successful?

A: Tourism business has been developing significantly in two ways: on one hand the amount of visas issued by our Embassy in Baku has doubled in the last three years, which is a clear demonstration that even though we are 14.000 kilometers away, Azerbaijani people know and want to visit our land. As I said before, Argentina is promoting its tourist attractions with an active participation in AITF.

On the other hand, Argentina has a vast expertise in the tourism business sector which can be of a great value for developing business in Azerbaijan. As a matter of fact, Argentine people are already working hand in hand with local enterprises in promissory projects.

Both countries are ready to sign an agreement on tourism cooperation very soon. As you may know, Argentina enjoys snowed mountains and worm beaches, rivers and deserts, the fertile Pampa and the magnificent Perito Moreno glacier and Iguazú Waterfalls. Azerbaijan as well has much to offer and we look forward to working together.

Q: Buenos Aires has recently hosted Argentina Shale Gas and Oil Summit 2015. Did the results of this huge energy event meet your expectations?

A: Estimates on the shale gas and oil potential in Argentina are very encouraging. The development of non-conventional resources will multiply our current gas and oil reserves by ten. In this context, the conference focused on the future of shale gas and oil in Argentina. It addressed the specific elements that can contribute to a sustainable use of our natural resources and the expansion of its impact in our growth.

For example, Argentina ranks first among CNG in the world and is the major producer and exporter of CNG cylinders, cars and public transport kits, CNG compressors and filling stations. So you can see that gas is an important subject for us, and this is why special attention was paid to technological innovation during the conference.

Q: Decreasing oil prices already showed its effect on economy of the energy producing countries. What actions does the government take to fight with the grave consequences of the economic slowdown?

A: Prices have diminished in almost every commodity market, so countries that depend on those products have had to find alternatives to cope with this situation. We strongly believe that the best alternatives are to try to diversify the production and to integrate the extractive with the productive sector.

Argentina has undergone an industrial promotion policy which has enhanced our capacities while taking care of the social consequences of the economic slow-down. Empowering the internal market and boosting the local consumption have been critical aspects of our national strategy.

Q: Baku is preparing to host inaugural European Games in June. What is your view for Baku 2015? What sports are you going to watch?

A: I am convinced that Baku 2015 will be an outstanding opportunity for Azerbaijan to show all its beauty and development. The kindness of the people and the gorgeous landscape will provide a unique frame to the European Games.

Azerbaijani people have been working really hard in the organization of a major event as an Olympic Game and now it is time to enjoy what you have achieved.

We are really looking forward to the opening ceremony and enjoying all the new venues that have been especially built for the Games. Baku has always been a beautiful city but now it has a renewed shine and you can see in people´s eyes how happy and pride they are.

URL: http://www.today.az/news/politics/140925.html

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