22 February 2018
Información para la Prensa N°: 061/18
Argentine Antarctica day event at the Foreign Ministry
Today, Foreign Minister Jorge Faurie, joined by the Minister of Defence, Oscar Aguad, chaired an event to commemorate Argentine Antarctica Day at the Palacio San Martín, where he made special mention of the "work of Argentine scientists", as well as of "the efficient logistical support of the Armed Forces" in the successful conduct of the current Antarctic Campaign, in order to continue strengthening Argentina's historical presence in the southern continent.
During the meeting, Ministers Faurie and Aguad contacted the scientific and military personnel working at the Argentine Stations of Orcadas, Carlini, Marambio and Esperanza by video conference, who offered information regarding the role of the stations and the research they carry out. "The Antarctic mission is a source of great pride for all Argentines. We are paying close attention to the tasks carried out during the 2017-2018 Antarctic Campaign and we value the hard work done," Minister Faurie stated to the authorities responsible for each Station.
"Argentina has been a leading actor in the Antarctic mission not only in terms of its history, which has been marked by great explorers, but also as regards its present and future, shaped primarily through scientific research," Minister Faurie noted in his address, adding that "the current Campaign is especially important, as it is marked by the long-awaited return of the Almirante Irízar Icebreaker, the flagship of the Argentine Antarctic Programme, which has been turned into an oceanographic research vessel of great value."
In addition, Minister Aguad mentioned that the Government "is working on a project to establish a logistics station in Ushuaia in order to provide Antarctic Stations with logistical support, as well as on the creation of a National Antarctic Academy in order to study the science and development of the white continent".
Argentina upholds its territorial rights over Antarctica through intense scientific activity and a strong commitment towards the Antarctic Treaty System. Today, 22 February, marks the114th anniversary of the inauguration of the Meteorology Observatory handed over by the Scottish expedition and located on Laurie Island, South Orkney Islands, and of the day the Argentine flag was raised there for the first time. Since 1904, Argentina has maintained its permanent, uninterrupted presence in the Antarctic continent.
The event was also attended by authorities and personnel from the National Directorate for Antarctica and the Argentine Antarctic Institute (IAA), as well as by authorities from the Armed Forces and special guests, such as Antarctic pioneers and IAA scientists.
Argentina has developed a true State policy for Antarctica. In this regard, the Argentine Antarctic Programme has become one of the world's most active and important, as a result of the joint work in which science, logistics and diplomacy come together towards a major goal: to safeguard Argentina's rights and interests in the region.
Link to Argentine Antarctica day video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXdmhRPlZZw&feature=youtu.be