Philippines and Argentina Forge Cooperation on Diplomatic Training, Science and Technology, Agriculture and Culture

The Philippine and Argentine delegations pose for a photo at the start of the 4th Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (Photo: OAMSS-ICTD)

20 May 2021 – Acting Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs Elizabeth P. Buensuceso successfully co-chaired the 4th Philippines-Argentina Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) on 17 May 2021 via Zoom together with Argentinian Undersecretary for Foreign Policy Gustavo Alejandro Dzugala.

The Philippine delegation included Philippine Ambassador to Argentina Linglingay F. Lacanlale and Assistant Secretary Maria Lumen B. Isleta of the Office of American Affairs and officials from other agencies such as the DTI, DepEd, DICT, DA, DOST, PNRI, PhilSA, NCCA, DOH and PSC.

The BCM provided an opportunity for the two countries to update each other on domestic political and economic developments, as well as relevant regional and multilateral issues. 

A virtual signing ceremony was also held during the BCM on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) and the Instituto del Servicio Exterior de la Nacion (ISEN) on diplomatic training. FSI Director General Jose Maria A. Cariño and ISEN Director Victorio Maria Taccetti signed on behalf of their respective diplomatic academies.

The Philippines and Argentina expressed their readiness to sign the MOU on Agricultural Cooperation at a mutually convenient date and time. Signing for the Philippines would be Agriculture Secretary William Dar.

The two countries also agreed to extend the validity of the 2012 Cultural Agreement. They also agreed to deepen cooperation in education, nuclear energy and aerospace technology, and sports, while further strengthening trade and investment.

The third BCM was held in Buenos Aires in 2017. Due to the current pandemic-related restrictions, the Manila hosting of the 4th BCM was done via video-conferencing. END

Foreign Affairs Acting Undersecretary Elizabeth P. Buensuceso and Undersecretary for Foreign Policy Gustavo Alejandro Dzugala engage in a lively discussion during the 4th PHL-ARG BCM (Photo: OAMSS-ICTD)

ISEN Director, Ambassador Victorio Maria Taccetti, and FSI Director General, Ambassador Jose Maria A. Cariño, sign the MOU on Diplomatic Training between the PHL and ARG Diplomatic Academies (Photo: OAMSS-ICTD)