Argentina»s President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner attended a welcome ceremony at the Hotel des Invalides in Paris.
President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner marked the last day of her visit to France inaugurating Argentina’s pavilion at the Salon du Livre in Paris, one of Europe’s top cultural events that this year has the South American country as a guest of honour and pays tribute also to acclaimed Argentine writer Julio Cortázar, who lived in France from 1951 onwards, on his centenary birth anniversary.
Escorted by French Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault and joined by Argentine officials, human rights leaders and artists, Ms. Kirchner addressed visitors of the book fair praising Argentina-France cultural ties.
A destination for many Argentineans who were forced to exile during the South American country’s brutal military dictatorship, Ms. Kirchner acknowledged the warm “embrace” the French offered those escaping from their homeland during the 70´s and 80’s, and many others after Argentina’s 2001-2002 crisis as well.
“I want to say hello to the Argentineans who visit, live and study in France, those who love France as much as they love their homeland. France, that took them in when they were in danger and they felt their homelands was letting go. In the name of those Argentineans, I thank the great embrace that France gave us, a second homeland for many Argentineans,” Cristina Fernández said.
buenosairesherald.com