Interview with Maximiliano Gabriel GREGORIO CERNADAS, Ambassador of Argentina

Globs Magazine interviewed Maximiliano Gabriel GREGORIO CERNADAS, Argentinian ambassador to Hungary: 

GLOBS Magazine: How do you feel in Hungary? What do you think about our country?

Argentinian ambassador: Well, we feel like home since the beginning. I have four children who are between six and thirteen years of age. In fact Hungary, especially Budapest, became our home.

Globs: In recent times, Argentina was often in the focus regarding its economic problems. Could you tell us more about these problems?

Argentinian ambassador: We know exactly how to deal with this crisis in Argentina. The current situation is the price of our mistakes we made in the past. However, the government is still doing its best to solve this crisis. This time, we want to conclude a new agreement with the International Monetary Fund. This may be the basis for a long-term solution to the situation.

Globs: How do you think the European Union can help Argentina get out of this situation?

Argentinian ambassador: There are many ways: One of their options is to assist in opening our market. In Argentina, we produce many products of world-class quality. We can be competitive, but as I said, it is necessary to open up the market. Currently, we are in the last period of concluding an agreement regarding the common market between South America and the European Union.

Globs: What do you think about the relationship between Hungary and Argentina?

Argentinian ambassador: I think we have a lot in common. You know, great many Hungarian immigrants came to Argentina in different times. For example, following the Revolution of 1848, just like János Czetz. The Hungarian community in Argentina is very big, very creative and very important. This is the basis for understanding each other. People come and go and help to build this relationship.

Globs: Trade is an important topic worldwide and especially in the Western Hemisphere. What is the Argentinean Government’s position on free trade and trade wars?

Argentinian ambassador: The new Argentinean government is relatively fresh, entered into office two and a half years ago. This government is quite open towards the world. Foreign policy is very important for us as the main directive, boosting trade and investment. We are very enthusiastic about market opening. This is the fundamental philosophy of the current Argentinean government.

Globs: At the moment, Migration is one of the most important topics in Europe and the Middle East. Latin America has to cope with the wave of refugees coming from Venezuela. Has this wave reached Argentina yet? How can you deal with this situation?

Argentinian ambassador: In Argentina, this situation is completely different from what we see in Europe. Argentina is the country of immigration. At the beginning of the 17th century, more foreigners lived in Buenos Aires than local residents.

We welcome refugees from all around the world. They are coming from Asia, Africa, Europe, etc. Their ethnicity is very mixed.

Our constitution clearly states that those who enter the country are entitled to the same rights as local residents. So being a foreigner in Argentina is a very positive thing. We have enough space and food for many millions of people. Of course, we know that now we see a very special situation in Venezuela. We received thousands of people from there.

Globs: As you know, Hungary has launched the policy of Southern Opening some years ago. How do you see this in Argentina?

Argentinian ambassador: I think the policy of Southern Opening is a wonderful initiative that the Hungarians have launched. This is interesting because it may open up many possibilities. No such thing has happened with the previous governments. So I think we need to benefit from this special situation.