Argentina is turning 200 years old today. The commemoration of the bicentenary is a time in which celebration goes hand in hand with reflection. On 25 May, 1810, in Buenos Aires, the then capital of the Viceroyalty of the River Plate, a group of patriots decided to disregard the Spanish colonial authorities and establish the first autonomous government council. This challenge to the colonial order set in motion the process that would eventually lead to the declaration of independence, and we pay tribute to those heroes who founded our nation.
So where does Argentina stand in this bicentennial year? Our democratic political system has prevailed for nearly three decades and has now reached maturity. The commitment to human rights has received new impetus after the repeal of amnesty laws and the reopening of trials of civilians and members of the military responsible for crimes against humanity.
Since 2003, Argentina's economic growth has been higher than in the whole of the preceding period that began in 1810. Its exceptional growth rate and positive balance of trade has made it possible to service external debt commitments. Over the last seven years, public education and health have received the attention they deserved, regaining their priority status as institutions for social integration, trebling their share of public expenditure. Reversing poverty is a priority for President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, who has introduced measures to help create jobs, and social policies to protect children.
The state has resumed its leading role in the promotion of research in science and technology, earmarking substantial amounts to pay teachers and researchers in the public university system, which in the 20th century trained the five Argentinian citizens who went on to become Nobel prizewinners.
The Argentinian people are the result of a meeting of highly diverse cultures. The coexistence of migrants from all over the world has been a feature of our history that we continue to embrace. In spite of the global economic crisis, we have implemented the Greater Homeland programme, based on state-of-the art legislation for the regularisation of foreign workers.
We also advocate full respect for international law. Multilateralism is the most effective instrument for promoting peace and security and winning the fight against poverty, disease, drug trafficking and environmental degradation.
The promotion and defence of human rights is a state policy that strengthens our national identity and our leadership in the international community. We are actively integrated into trade within Mercosur – the "common market of the south" – and believe in the need to advance towards greater institutionalisation of this bloc. We politically support the Union of South American Nations as a key forum for maintaining peace and democracy. We also take an active part in the G20.
And so our appeal – formally supported by the United Nations – to the British government to discuss sovereignty over the Malvinas islands, reflects the spirit of the Argentinian people, and is one of the pillars of our foreign policy.
Our country still has unpaid debts. They go back a long time, and we are intent on achieving recognition of the rights of vast sectors of our population that have been relegated. Foreign commitments remain, however, a priority for the Argentine government.
Today we invite the people of the world to join our celebration as we share the best of our own people, our culture and our history.
Jorge Taiana, Argentina's minister of foreign affairs, international trade and worship.