Guest on Panel Magik, the Argentine ambassador to Haiti, Pablo Graziano, talks about the relations between the two countries.
Guest on the show Panel Magik this Friday, July 17, on Magik 9, Argentina’s ambassador to Haiti, Pablo Graziano, discussed several topics related to the relationship between Port-au-Prince and Buenos Aires. In his position for three months, the diplomat shared his priorities for boosting exchanges between the two countries, while also giving his perspective on Haiti and the shared passion of both nations for football.
According to Pablo Graziano, political cooperation between Haiti and Argentina is already well established, especially with Haiti’s Ministry of Defense through training programs for officials. He now wants to put more focus on the trade and cultural aspects.”There aren’t many Argentine products in Haiti, and there aren’t many Haitian products in Argentina. I’m going to work to strengthen these trade exchanges,” he said, noting that cooperation in agriculture also offers good prospects.
Asked about ties with the private sector, the ambassador said he has already met several Haitian entrepreneurs. He described a very dynamic sector, interested in developing trade with Argentina. He reminded that his country has substantial production in areas like agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and energy, which, according to him, opens the door to many collaboration opportunities.When asked about his government’s view on the crisis in Haiti, Pablo Graziano explained that the image shown internationally doesn’t always reflect the full reality of the country. He pointed out that outside the areas most affected by insecurity, many Haitians continue their daily activities. The diplomat believes this reality also deserves attention from investors and the Argentine private sector, who could see it as an opportunity for trade and, in the longer term, investment.
Football also played an important role in the conversation. Pablo Graziano confirmed his desire to develop sports cooperation between the two countries. He specifically mentioned visiting the FC Toro academy and wants to work with the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Civic Action to promote the exchange of best practices, especially in coach training.He particularly mentioned the young Haitian Stephen Kiki Ramos, recently called up to the Argentine under-17 team. For him, this progress could help bring the two countries closer together in the sports field. “Haitians have great potential in sports,” he stated. In his view, football holds a special place in Argentine society. He describes it as a true national passion, capable of bringing the whole population together.
The ambassador also said he was surprised by Haitians’ enthusiasm for the Argentine team. He claims that before arriving in Haiti, he did not expect to see so many Albiceleste flags and jerseys in the streets.
He sees this passion as an opportunity to strengthen ties between the two peoples and says he wants to share images of Haitian supporters backing the team in Argentina.Moreover, when asked to respond to accusations of racism sometimes directed at Argentina because of the lack of black players in the national team, Pablo Graziano dismissed this view. He reminded that, in his opinion, his country’s history is marked by the integration of people from different backgrounds.
Quoting The Little Prince, “What is essential is invisible to the eye,” he explained that African roots are part of Argentina’s history. He pointed out that slavery was abolished there in 1853, that black players have previously represented the Argentine national team, and that the country today has around two million Afro-descendants. According to him, this debate doesn’t hold much significance in Argentine society.
Regarding the Haitian presence in Argentina, the ambassador, referring to information obtained from the Haitian embassy in Buenos Aires, stated that about 3,000 Haitians currently live in Argentine territory.In conclusion, the ambassador appeared confident ahead of the World Cup final, believing that Lionel Messi will work his magic, even though, in his view, Argentina will probably have to struggle before hoping to win another world title.
Incidentally, when asked about the player he admires most, Pablo Graziano didn’t hesitate to name Lionel Messi. “He’s the best player. Even when he doesn’t score, his assists are outstanding. He’s a football genius. Maradona was amazing, but having had the chance to see both play is a privilege,” he shared.
