We had the pleasure to talk with the Ambassador of the Republic of Argentina to Serbia, His Excellency Osvalso Narciso Marsico, about bilateral relations between Serbia and Argentina, love for family, friends, football and tango shared by our two friendly nations, but also his first impressions of the building where he lives and works and the excellent cooperation with our Company.

How would you describe present-day Argentina?
Argentina is a young nation. We have 45 million inhabitants and different flows of immigration. Our nation is dynamic and multicultural. We have full respect for different ethnic and religious groups. There are three main religions in Argentina: Catholics as the majority, the Jewish community, which is the second largest community after America, Muslims and many Arabs who came from Syria and Turkey. In this regard, Argentina is an example of peaceful coexistence.

What are the country`s main advantages and further directions of its economic development?
Argentina is a developing country. We are major exporters of agricultural products such as soybean oil, peanuts and beef. Argentina is among the top five beef exporters in the world. When it comes to soybean oil, we are in first place. We also export nuclear technology for peaceful purposes and software. We have as many as 11 technological `unicorns`, startup companies whose value is estimated at more than a billion dollars. Our country has one of the largest water and gas reserves in the world.
I think Argentina has a lot of potential to grow and prosper. Argentina’s greatest natural resource is its population. Education is at a high level, and the education system is free. I believe that is very important. We have five Nobel Prizes in different fields, such as mathematics and peace prizes.

What are the possibilities for further improvement of bilateral relations between Argentina and Serbia?
We have a lot in common, and relations at the political level are excellent. In foreign policy and multilateral diplomacy, we fully support Serbia on the issue of Kosovo and Metohija. We will support the principle of territorial integrity and the full implementation of Security Council Resolution 1244, as well as a peaceful solution to this issue. Argentina supports Serbia in all international organizations regarding the Kosovo issue, as you are on our side in the dispute with the United Kingdom over sovereignty over the Malvinas (Falkland) Islands.

In terms of bilateral relations with Serbia, we can always do more. I am often in contact with the representatives of the authorities in Serbia, even though I came to your country only four months ago. They are very open for cooperation and I have already had meetings with almost everyone. We have great potential in the economic and commercial sphere. One of my main goals is to try to increase trade between Serbia and Argentina.

How do you like the building where your residence is hosted?

The building is fantastic! It is a great residence, but at the same time a home. It is warm and you do not feel like you are in the office, but actually at home. It is very pleasant and comfortable. We had a lot of visitors and everyone agreed that the building is very beautiful.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Dipos. They responded very positively to my suggestions. I had a very good meeting with the director a few weeks ago, before the holidays. He is very pleasant, and the meeting was constructive. Dipos is always willing to help and we are grateful for that.

What are your impressions of life and work in Belgrade?
I will tell you only one thing: Belgrade is my home away from home! This is an exceptional place. People are very warm, kind and willing to help, which is not usual for a big city. Belgrade is a mixture of different styles and that makes it unique.

We share many common features with the Serbian people, such as valuing friends and family, and we also love football. I am really astonished at how popular tango is in Serbia. There are many schools of this dance and we try to support most of them. Last month we had a nice event – the celebration of the Week of Argentine Food and Argentine Literature. Our Ministry of Foreign Affairs allocates funds for the translation of the most famous Argentine authors into Serbian, such as Jorge Luis Borges, Julio Cortazar, Ernesto Sabato. I was surprised to find their books everywhere. I entered the library in the main street in Belgrade and found Borges in Serbian. There are also new writers whose works are translated into Serbian.

What Argentine cultural content would you recommend to the local audience?
I recommend that you explore Argentine literature, both classical and new writers. You will find many of them if you go to the first bookstore. I would especially recommend three films with Serbian subtitles – “Secret in Their Eyes”, “Wild Things” and “Son of the Bride”, two of which won Oscars. We usually organize cinema sessions in cooperation with cinemas or the Cervantes Institute, and sometimes on our own, like last month when we had the Argentine Film Month. There are many similarities between Argentina and Serbia in the way we think, in the way we love, in the way we understand friendship, in the way we understand the family and take care of it.