Argentina may open embassy in Dhaka next month

Argentine Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, and Worship Santiago Andrés Cafiero is likely to visit Bangladesh on February 26 or 27.

During his visit, Cafiero may open the Argentine embassy or consular in Bangladesh.

"They (Argentina) in principle agreed to open up an embassy or consular in Bangladesh," Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen told The Daily Star over phone today.

The minister also said Bangladesh also wants to open an embassy or consular in Argentina but could not say when it would happen.

"Whenever they (Argentina) open an embassy here, they would also ask us to open an embassy there (Argentina). We will do that but for that, we need money and other logistic support. So, we can't say right now when we will do that."

Asked whether the Argentinean embassy will open during Cafiero's visit, Momen said, "We are yet to get his itinerary. But before opening up an embassy, the country concerned needs some sorts of perpetrations."

Momen further said Bangladesh also wants to give importance to Latin America and Caribbean countries and for that it has opened a new wing in the foreign ministry in this regard.

Bangladesh has already opened an embassy in Brazil and will open missions in other Latin American and Caribbean countries, he said.

Argentine President Alberto Fernández on December 22 said his country is working to reopen a diplomatic mission in Dhaka next year.

"We have watched closely the celebrations of the friendly people of Bangladesh in support of the (Argentina) team," he said in a letter to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

People and the president of Argentina were overwhelmed by the massive, heartfelt public support and celebration in Bangladesh for team Argentina throughout the World Cup and following their victory in the final.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni also recognised the support that fans of the national team have given his side throughout the World Cup in Qatar.

"For years the National Team shirt has transmitted a madness throughout the world, because we had Diego Maradona, now we have Lionel Messi. It makes us happy that there are people in Bangladesh and many other places standing up for us. Thanks to the people of Bangladesh," he said.