Foreign Minister Jorge Faurie, joined by the Minister of Defence, Oscar Aguad, presided over the closing ceremony of the Summer Antarctic Campaign 2018/2019, which began last December and ended with the arrival of the ARA Almirante Irízar Icebreaker.
"Argentina has both a glorious past and present in relation to Antarctic work", Faurie said. He also highlighted the importance of having been "the first ones in Antarctica from 1904" and "having carried out scientific missions for more than 115 years."
During the event, which took place in the Port of Buenos Aires, the Foreign Minister highlighted that "the Almirante Irízar Icebreaker is a symbol of Antarctic Campaigns for the Argentine people" and acknowledged everyone who carries out scientific work and every technical official, as well as the military personnel who provide logistical support.
Argentine Antarctic science is a tool to assert Argentina's interest in the Antarctic continent and maintain Argentina's influence in the decision-making process of the Antarctic Treaty System.
The Argentine Antarctic Institute, which reports to the National Directorate for Antarctica of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship, is currently carrying out 48 scientific projects in Antarctica with around 100 researchers working there.
"We are proud of the work we carry out every year in Antarctica, which reflects the defence of Argentina's values and its strategic objectives," Faurie stated.
