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Argentina–Syria relations

(Redirected from Argentina-Syria relations)

Argentina–Syria relations refer to the bilateral relationship between the Argentine Republic and the Syrian Arab Republic. Argentina maintains an embassy in Damascus,[4] and Syria has an embassy in Buenos Aires.[5]

Argentine–Syrian relations
Map indicating locations of Argentina and Syria

Argentina
Syria
Diplomatic mission
Argentine Embassy, DamascusSyrian Embassy, Buenos Aires[a]
Envoy
Ambassador Sebastián Zavalla[2]Ambassador Sami Salameh[3]

Both nations share a historically friendly relationship, with significant diplomatic, cultural, and economic ties, primarily driven by the large Syrian-Lebanese community in Argentina.[6]

Historical background

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Informal ties between the countries date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries when significant waves of Syrian immigrants arrived in Argentina as part of the broader Arab migration from the Ottoman Empire. These early Syrian migrants contributed to fostering closer relations between the two countries, forming a strong Syrian-Argentine community that has since played a key role in the relationship.[6]

Argentina has traditionally maintained a neutral stance in the Middle East, focusing its diplomatic efforts on maintaining peaceful and cooperative relations with all countries in the region, including Syria.[7][8]

Over the years, both nations have exchanged high-level visits aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation in areas such as trade, culture, and mutual assistance.[9] In 2010, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad visited Argentina and met then President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner in Buenos Aires.[10]

Diplomatic relations

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Diplomatic relations between Argentina and Syria were officially established on 23 November 1945.[11] Argentina has an embassy in Damascus and Syria has an embassy in Buenos Aires, with honorary consulates in Córdoba, Rosario, Mandoza, Santiago del Estero, and Catamarca.[12][13] Argentina and Syria cooperate within international organizations such as the United Nations and the G77.[14]

Relations during the Syrian Civil War

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Meeting between Minister of Foreign Affairs Diana Mondino and the chiefs of missions of the Arab League members in 2024. Syrian ambassador Sami Salameh second from right.

Since the outbreak of the Syrian Civil War in 2011, Argentina has called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict through diplomatic means. While Argentina has not been directly involved in the conflict, it has expressed concern over the humanitarian situation in Syria and supported international efforts for a ceasefire and dialogue between the warring factions.[15]

In May 2016, Argentine Foreign Minister Susana Malcorra paid a visit to Lebanon. During her visit, she met with various local organizations assisting refugees affected by the Syrian Civil War and visited a Syrian refugee camp close to the Lebanese-Syrian border. After that, the Argentine government implemented a humanitarian visa program aimed at providing refuge for Syrians affected by the war, allowing Syrian families to seek asylum in Argentina.[16]

Cultural and social ties

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One of the most significant aspects of Argentina–Syria relations is the cultural and social connection facilitated by the Syrian diaspora in Argentina. The Syrian-Lebanese community in Argentina is one of the largest in Latin America, with over 3.5 million people of Syrian or Lebanese descent. This community has played an influential role in Argentine society, with notable figures in politics, business, and the arts.[6][17]

 
Syrian-Lebanese Newspaper, Buenos Aires, published on 29 January 1929.

Several cultural and social organizations in Argentina aim to preserve and promote Syrian culture, including the Club Sirio Libanés in Buenos Aires, which regularly organizes cultural events, lectures, and celebrations.[18]

Economic relations

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Trade between Argentina and Syria is modest but steady,[19] with a focus on agricultural products. Argentina primarily exports wheat, corn, and other grains to Syria, while Syria exports smaller quantities of textiles, olive oil, and other agricultural goods to Argentina.[20][21] Trade relations have been affected by the Syrian Civil War, which caused disruptions in Syria's economic activities and imports.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "الدول التي لا يوجد فيها تمثيل دبلوماسي" (in Arabic). وزارة الخارجية والمغتربين السورية. Retrieved 28 October 2024.
  2. ^ "Representaciones de Argentina en el Exterior - EASIR". Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship of Argentina. Retrieved 24 October 2024.
  3. ^ "Who is Sami Salameh". ManHom?. Retrieved 24 October 2024.
  4. ^ "EASIR - Argentina's Ministry of Foreign Affairs". Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship of Argentina. Retrieved 24 October 2024.
  5. ^ "Syrian Diplomatic Missions Abroad". Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of Syria. Retrieved 24 October 2024.
  6. ^ a b c "The Surprisingly Deep, Centuries-Old Ties Between the Middle East and Latin America". Americas Quarterly. Retrieved 24 October 2024.
  7. ^ Klich, Ignacio (November 1996). "Transnationalism, Social Networks, and the Migrant Experience: A Comparative Perspective". Diplomacy & Statecraft. 7 (3): 704–728. doi:10.1080/09592299608406022. Retrieved 24 October 2024.
  8. ^ "Situation in the Middle East (Item 37) and Question of Palestine (Item 38)". Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship of Argentina. Retrieved 24 October 2024.
  9. ^ "Argentinian President Meets with Assad". The Jerusalem Post. 3 July 2010. Retrieved 24 October 2024.
  10. ^ "Bashar al-Assad marks 10 years in power". France 24. 16 July 2010. Retrieved 16 August 2020.
  11. ^ "Tratado sobre la Amistad y la Cooperación entre la República Argentina y la República Árabe Siria". Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship of Argentina. Retrieved 24 October 2024.
  12. ^ "Celebraciones por la Independencia de Siria en el país". Diario Sirio Libanés. 22 April 2022. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
  13. ^ Syrian embassies in South America
  14. ^ "Group of 77 - Structure". Group of 77. Retrieved 24 October 2024.
  15. ^ "La política exterior de Argentina hacia Siria" (PDF). Observatorio Social. Retrieved 24 October 2024.
  16. ^ "Syrian refugees reap benefits of Argentina's new visa rules". UNHCR. Retrieved 24 October 2024.
  17. ^ "Mashriq and Mahjar: A Global History of Syrian Migration to the Americas". Oxford Academic. 13 June 2019. doi:10.1093/oso/9780190872137.003.0002. ISBN 978-0-19-087213-7. Retrieved 24 October 2024.
  18. ^ "Club Sirio Libanés de Buenos Aires". Club Sirio Libanés. Retrieved 24 October 2024.
  19. ^ "Trade Profile: Syria". OEC - The Observatory of Economic Complexity. Retrieved 24 October 2024.
  20. ^ "رفع أحجام التبادل بين سورية والأرجنتين تقع على كاهل رجال الأعمال عبر نظام الشراكة.. والقلاع يصف سورية بالأرض الخصبة للاستثمار.. وألتون يكشف عن زيارة قريبة إلى الأرجنتين". Syria Days. Retrieved 24 October 2024.
  21. ^ "اتفاقيات سوريا والأرجنتين". Wiki Exporter. 16 August 2022. Retrieved 24 October 2024.

Notes

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  1. ^ Also responsible for Syrian interests in Uruguay and Paraguay[1]
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