Diplomatic Desk:
The Embassy of the Argentine Republic in Bangladesh hosted a vibrant diplomatic reception in Dhaka on Wednesday evening (19 May 2026) to celebrate the National Day of Argentina.
The event was graced by the presence of the Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Abdul Awal Mintoo, as the Chief Guest. His attendance added dignity and significance to the celebration.
In his remarks, the Chief Guest said, “It is a great honor and pleasure to join you all today as you celebrate the National Day of the Argentine Republic and the 216th anniversary of the historic Revolution of 25 May 1810. It was a defining moment in Argentina’s journey toward freedom, national identity, and sovereign statehood.”
On behalf of the Government and the people of Bangladesh, he extended warm congratulations and heartfelt wishes to the Government and the friendly people of Argentina.
The Minister noted that Bangladesh deeply values Argentina’s historic friendship and solidarity. Argentina was among the first Latin American countries to recognize the independence of Bangladesh on 17 May 1972, a gesture that is still remembered with gratitude. He also mentioned that this year marks the 54th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
He further said that bilateral relations reached a new height following the reopening of the Argentine Embassy in Dhaka during the official visit of Argentina’s Foreign Minister in February 2023. He added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Tareque Rahman, Bangladesh remains committed to building inclusive and sustainable partnerships.
Highlighting football as a unique bridge between the peoples of Bangladesh and Argentina, he said generations of Bangladeshis grew up admiring the magical football of Diego Maradona, while today that emotional connection continues through Lionel Messi. He also recalled how the streets of Bangladesh were filled with Argentina’s blue-and-white flags during the FIFA World Cup, attracting global attention.
The Minister stated that bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Argentina currently stands at around US$830 million. Argentina remains a major source of soybean, wheat, corn, cotton, and edible oil for Bangladesh. He also noted that both countries are working toward organizing a multisectoral business forum focusing on trade, agriculture, sports cooperation, and energy supply chain partnerships.
Speaking on the occasion, the Ambassador of Argentina to Bangladesh, Marcelo Cesa, thanked the Chief Guest and all distinguished attendees and reiterated Argentina’s commitment to strengthening and diversifying bilateral ties with Bangladesh.
He said, “Two hundred and sixteen years ago, with the Revolution of Buenos Aires, we established our first government. Since then, freedom and independence have remained at the core of our national identity. Today, we celebrate not only our freedom but also the friendship between Argentina and Bangladesh.”
The Ambassador announced that Bangladesh is set to reopen its embassy in Buenos Aires this year, which he said would have a very positive impact on bilateral relations.
He further stated that bilateral trade between the two countries has now reached approximately US$1.5 billion. Argentina mainly exports soybean oil, flour, wheat, corn, and cotton to Bangladesh, while value-added products such as vaccines and medical equipment are also becoming important export items.
Referring to his recent visit to the Pharma Expo in Dhaka, Ambassador Cesa said he was pleased to see advanced ventilators manufactured in Argentina being displayed there.
He also mentioned that Bangladesh’s garment exports to Argentina are increasing steadily. Companies such as Natco and Indigo Fashion are playing an important role in connecting Bangladeshi suppliers with Argentine importers.
The Ambassador expressed his delight at seeing several books by Argentine authors translated into Bangla and displayed at this year’s Ekushey Book Fair. According to him, although the Bangladesh-Argentina relationship may sometimes remain low-profile, it is producing meaningful and concrete benefits for businesses and people in both countries.
He remarked, “Argentina is the farthest country among those with embassies in Dhaka — more than 16,500 kilometers away. Yet despite this distance, two young Bangladeshis recently traveled across Argentina for more than a month and are now portraying the country through Bangladeshi eyes on their YouTube channels.”
At the event, he introduced YouTubers Salah Uddin Sumon and Niloy Umath Biswas, followed by the screening of a video based on their travel experiences in Argentina.
The reception was attended by ambassadors and diplomats from various countries, senior officials of the Government of Bangladesh, business leaders, academics, cultural personalities, and media representatives. The event served as a meaningful occasion to celebrate the spirit of friendship, mutual respect, and growing cooperation between Bangladesh and Argentina.
