Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan attended the unveiling ceremony of “BELLOWS” at Paragon Mall, celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Argentina.
On 11 July 2024, Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan spoke at the unveiling ceremony of “BELLOWS” at Paragon Mall. The event celebrated 50 years of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Argentina. Dignitaries present included Ambassador of Argentina to Singapore Mauricio Nine, Ambassador of Singapore to Argentina and Chairman of PARAGONREIT Dr. Leong Horn Kee, former Ambassador of Singapore to Argentina Mr. Michael Hwang, and Deputy Chairman of PARAGONREIT Ms. Jenny Chua.
Dr. Balakrishnan expressed his delight in commemorating the milestone, noting Argentina’s 208 years of independence and Singapore’s upcoming 59th anniversary. He praised the enduring and growing relationship between the two nations, thanking past ambassadors for their dedication and efforts over the years.
The minister shared his experiences visiting Argentina, highlighting the cultural richness and the significant investments made by Singaporean companies in various sectors such as agriculture, logistics, and port management. He also acknowledged the presence of Argentine businesses in Singapore, including Grupo Bagó and Tenaris.
Dr. Balakrishnan mentioned the influence of Argentinian football icons Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi on Singaporean fans, as well as the increasing availability of Argentinian food products in Singaporean markets. He emphasized the importance of the MERCOSUR-Singapore Free Trade Agreement signed in December, which he believes will boost trade, commerce, tourism, and business between the two countries.
In his remarks, Dr. Balakrishnan also recognized the artistic contributions of Argentina, referencing a recent collaborative art exhibition at the National Gallery Singapore. He fondly recalled the vibrant cultural experiences in Buenos Aires, particularly the tango music and dance.
The unveiling of “BELLOWS,” inspired by renowned Argentinian musician Anibal Troilo, symbolizes the cultural bridge between Argentina and Singapore. Dr. Balakrishnan thanked sculptor Daniel Brandimarte for traveling from Argentina to be present at the ceremony. The twin sculptures in Buenos Aires and Singapore celebrate the warm friendship and cultural exchange between the two nations.
In conclusion, Dr. Balakrishnan reiterated his gratitude to Ambassador Mauricio Nine and the past Singaporean Ambassadors to Argentina for their contributions to strengthening bilateral relations.
Source – MFA
