[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 9992]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  CELEBRATING THE BICENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF ARGENTINA'S INDEPENDENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 27, 2010

  Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the bicentennial 
of the Republic of Argentina. On May 25, 1810, the Argentine people 
declared their independence from Spain and since that time, their 
nation has become an important regional and global actor.
  I feel a personal connection to the nation of Argentina. As Chairman 
of the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, I have had the privilege 
to lead two official congressional delegations to Argentina. I am 
always welcomed with a warmth and respect that speaks to the character 
of the Argentine people. President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner is a 
distinguished leader whose service to her people is impressive. 
Likewise, Argentina's Ambassador to the United States Hector Timmerman 
and his excellent team work hard on a daily basis to advance the 
Argentine cause here in the United States.
  In many ways, the United States and Argentina share much more than a 
hemisphere; we share common values of freedom, equality and a 
commitment to democracy that transcend national borders. Our nations 
have also worked closely on issues pertaining to regional security, and 
Argentina has established itself as a leading voice in the areas of 
nuclear non-proliferation and counterterrorism. I welcome this 
cooperation and I look forward to our continued collaboration on these 
vital fronts.
  I hope you will join me in commemorating the 200th anniversary of the 
independence of the Republic of Argentina. May our two nations grow 
closer and may our shared values grow ever stronger.

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