“The close relations and ties of the Malvina Islands with Uruguay were again confirmed this year by the delegation that spent a couple of weeks in the country visiting farms, agricultural research centres, as well as promoting trade, tourism, science, education and the wonderful support of the British Hospital in Montevideo.” This was published yesterday by Mercopress ; the media outlet that acts as an unofficial spokesperson for British interests in the islands usurped from Argentina.
The delegation was present at the inauguration of the British Pavilion at the El Prado Agricultural Exhibition last Wednesday at midday with the presence of the incoming British Ambassador to Uruguay, Malcolm Green and the Uruguayan Minister of Foreign Affairs, Omar Paganini , together with friends and supporters of the Malvinas.
“This time, there was a considerable change from previous editions, when the big neighbour exerted considerable diplomatic pressure on Uruguay, as well as direct harassment from some individuals. This time, the good spirit, warmth, common sense and support of the Uruguayan people prevailed,” says the newspaper, which also reproduces statements by Matt Davies, Head of the Department of Agriculture of the colony: “Our visit to Uruguay has given us the opportunity to strengthen the existing ties of friendship and collaboration, as well as to raise awareness of the opportunities that the Malvinas offer for tourism and agriculture. The first week was spent visiting a number of farms, agricultural research institutions and clients in the wool industry.”
“The highlight was the visit to INIA, where we learned about their exciting new long-term rotational grazing trials and saw how successful they are in improving the productivity of native grasses. We also visited the processing plant of Lanas Trinidad, a major buyer of wool from the Malvinas. This gave us the opportunity to learn more about what they look for in terms of wool quality, as well as their inspiring work on sustainability, waste management and regenerative agriculture,” added Davies.
“During the second week we worked mainly on the Expo Prado stand, which gave us the opportunity to present the Malvinas to the Uruguayan public. I was even allowed to be Stanley the Penguin for a couple of hours, which was great fun. Visiting British Schools to talk to children about life in the Malvinas and our natural environment was another highlight of the second week. The relationship with Uruguay is strategically important for the Malvinas in many ways and it was lovely to see the curiosity and warmth they feel for our country. This support can pose diplomatic challenges for Uruguay, so these visits and exchanges are incredibly important to maintain and strengthen those ties,” he continued.
Amanda Curry Brown, Director of Policy, Economics and Corporate Services , said: “Following my arrival on Monday, I joined the delegation at Ceprodih to learn more about the training and services they offer to empower mothers and their families. I was honoured to deliver a donation on behalf of the Malvina Islands Government to support this important work. I also met with the new British Ambassador and the Embassy team to brief them on the Malvinas and discuss all the ways we work together, from facilitating medical evacuations to the annual public diplomacy programme. It was also a privilege to have the opportunity to visit the British Hospital and meet a small part of the team caring for patients in the Malvinas.”
Jackie Clarke , former Agriculture Assistant for the DoA who now works with Tanya Clarke (WoolCo.) said, “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in Uruguay. The first week we went out and visited as many places as we could. Some of my favorites were Cabaña San Jośe where they showed us their impressive Angus cattle; Trinidad and their impressive wool processing plant and sustainable water production; INIA Glenco where we got a tour of the studies they are doing on their grazing management followed by a tour of Magnolia, another of their farms and research studies they are doing on carbon emissions.” The island visitor also highlighted the establishment “La Soledad”, run by a lady called Gabriella, where we were able to visit her incredible farm and hear her lovely story of how she got to where she is now. On Friday the 6th the Expo Prado started and it has been very nice to talk to the Uruguayan public and tell them about our home.”
Fountain:
Mercopress
