
The Foreign Service Institute, in partnership with the Embassy of the Argentine Republic in the Philippines, held the Mabini Dialogue “Argentina and the Philippines in the Current International Context” on 25 April 2023 at the Carlos P. Romulo Library, Department of Foreign Affairs.
The Mabini Dialogue featured Ambassador Claudio Javier Rozencwaig, Undersecretary for Foreign Policy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship of the Argentine Republic as the main speaker. Amb. Rozencwaig discussed Argentina’s foreign policy, relations between the Philippines and Argentina, their experiences with regional integration, and the future of bilateral relations between the two countries.
Amb. Rozencwaig shared that Argentina’s foreign policy is friendly and allows for amicable relations with the international community. He emphasized the importance of multilateral dialogues and mechanisms in foreign relations, especially in addressing issues of mutual concern, such as climate change and economic development.
Amb. Rozencwaig expressed his optimism in maintaining strong bilateral relations between the Philippines and Argentina, citing recently signed agreements on agricultural cooperation, cultural exchange, and space technology cooperation.
Dr. Aries A. Arugay, Chairperson of the Department of Political Science from the University of the Philippines Diliman, served as the discussant for the Dialogue. In his remarks, Dr. Arugay highlighted the commonalities shared by the Philippines and Argentina, especially in the process of democratization experienced by both countries. Dr. Arugay underscored the concept of ‘empathy’ as a central principle in Argentine foreign policy, comparable to that of the Philippines and even the ASEAN.

During the Open Forum, Amb. Rozencwaig and Dr. Arugay addressed questions on shared challenges, regional integration, economic development, shared industries, sustainability, and cultural diplomacy, among others.
The Dialogue was attended by officers and staff from the DFA and FSI, heads of posts and representatives from other Latin American diplomatic missions in Manila, and students and professors from various academic institutions. The Dialogue was also livestreamed on Facebook.
