Jim Higgins
Question:44 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the details of the recent official visit to Argentina; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11117/02]
Written Answers. - Official Travel.
The Taoiseach visited Brazil and Argentina between 17 and 24 July 2001. The main objective of the visits was to develop political and economic relations with the two countries.
Ireland and Argentina have maintained diplomatic relations for more than half a century. During his visit, the Taoiseach held meetings with the then President of Argentina, Dr. Fernando de la Rúa, the Mayor of Buenos Aires, Dr. Aníbal Ibarra, as well as the Vice-President of the Supreme Court, Mr. Eduardo Moliné O'Connor. The Taoiseach made two key note addresses in Argentina: the first to members of the National Council for International Relations – CARI – in Buenos Aires, whom he addressed on the theme of partnership, embracing,inter alia, the Northern Ireland peace process and the second to a group of business leaders on Ireland's economic development. Enterprise Ireland and Bord Fáilte were closely involved in the visit.
Argentina is also home to the largest community of Irish origin outside the English speaking world. Irish-Argentines have made an outstanding contribution to their adoptive country since the days of its struggle for independence. The Argentine navy was founded by Admiral William Brown from Foxford and, during his visit, the Taoiseach laid a wreath at a monument erected in his memory. It is estimated that there are some half a million Argentines of Irish origin, and there are numerous Irish-Argentine clubs and societies. The Taoiseach addressed a representative group at a reception in his honour at one of the several educational establishments in Buenos Aires under Irish auspices.