Monday, May 27, 2013 - Islamabad—Many parts of Pakistan including Islamabad boiled in the last week of inhospitable May as mercury rose to over 45 Celsius. But, elites and friends of Argentina Republic and a large number of diplomatic community found a relaxed, friendly, open and frank atmosphere in a local hotel on Saturday evening where pleasing and prolific Argentinean ambassador Rodolfo Martin Saravia had staged a flamboyant show to celebrate his country’s National Day.
Rodolfo, who is also Dean of Diplomatic Corps, has spent almost nine years in Pakistan serving and introducing his South American nation to Pakistanis. During all this period, Rodolfo has created a large constituency of his friends in all segments of Pakistani society where he is popularly known as more of a ‘Pakistani’ than Argentinean. He is rightly said on many occasions “he has put Argentina into Pakistan and Pakistan into Argentina.” He is welcomed everywhere as elites and the common man in Pakistan like to invite him in their shows and events happily. He likes to be called ‘Rodolfo’ instead of His Excellency or Ambassador.
It is a fact, credit goes to him to introduce Argentina, a far off place located in South America to Pakistan, situated in another hemisphere in a successful manner.
It was day of joy for the ambassador as a large number of members of diplomatic community, politicians, educationists, artists, businessmen were assembled to greet him on this great day of his country. Maqbool H. H Rahimtoola, caretaker Minister for Commerce and Textile Industry was the Chief Guest. Sahabzada Yaqub Khan , Enver Beg, Ashraf Jehangir Qazi, ex-Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Malik Amad Khan, Formr Air Chief Abbas Khattak, a large number of ambassadors and High Commissioners from Middle East, Europe, North America and South America including US ambassador Richard Olson graced the occasion.
On arrival of the Chief Guest, national anthems of both the countries were played followed by cake cutting ceremony where envoys and eminent personalities also joined the ambassador. A special Naval Band spilled out beautiful tunes enthralling the audience.
Rodolfo Martin Saravia speaking briefly on the occasion said Pak-Argentina multi-dimensional relations will further be deepened for the benefit of the people of both the countries. He welcomed all his guests who came to share with him happiness on the occasion. The Commerce Minister reciprocated by saying Pakistan is always ready to go along with Argentina to promote trade and commercial ties.
At present, trade volume of both the countries stand at about $ 150 million despite the long distance between both the countries. However, the goodwill exists between them can increase this volume. Rodolfo is struggling in this direction by interacting with Pakistani business community in Karachi, Lahore and Sialkot. Rodolfo’s contributions to Pak-Argentina relations will go down in the history as the brightest chapter.