ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Argentinean ambassador to Islamabad Rodolfo J. Martin Saravia said Thursday his country was helping the Capital Development Authority (CDA) build, a state-of-the-art, over 1000-bed hospital, named as Argentine Pavilion in G-6 Sector.
This facility will be part of an extension project of the Polyclinic hospital which he expects to inaugurate before his departure to his country, he told APP at a breakfast meeting here hosted by former ambassador Shahid Ahmad Kamal to bid farewell to the outgoing Argentinean ambassador to Pakistan.
His biggest achievement during his 12 years wonderful stay in Pakistan, Rodolfo said, was a joint venture between two countries in manufacturing of medicines in 2009 which were now treating thousands of cancer and Hepatitis -C patients in Pakistan. He wanted to leave behind something people would remember him and facilities like medical centers  would keep them reminding his stay in Pakistan, added the envoy .
This venture in Lahore was inked between Ferozesons and Bago Laboratory of Argentina and was inaugurated by the then prime minister Yusuf Raza Gilani.
Federal Minister for Climate Change  Zahid Hamid , Spokesman to the Prime Minister Musadak Malik, MNA Asiya Nasir, Secretary Information and Broadcasting Syed Imran Gardezai, Federal Secretary Climate Change Syed Abu Ahmad Akif, Tajikistan ambassador to Pakistan Sherali S. Jononov, Additional Secretary Foreign Affairs Iffat Gardezai and senior Manager Bilal Anwar COMSATS Institute of Information Technology were present on the occasion .
The Argentinean ambassador said the biggest asset for Pakistan was its people who were “warm, friendly and resilient,” adding, Pakistanis should be proud of what they are. Its youth should be provided an opportunity to get good education for making their mark in development of the country.
During his stay, Rodolfo said he was honoured with Hilal-e-Pakistan, for his services in bolstering ties between Argentina and Pakistan.
The outgoing Argentinean ambassador has also written a book on “Bonds of Friendship between Argentina and Pakistan” which reflects his interaction with Pakistani leadership, diplomats and its people. An 80-paged pictorial book, containes photos spanned over his long career as a top diplomat and also include messages of different Pakistani leadership during last twelve years. Rodolfo said his book would be launched in the current month.
On the occasion, former ambassador Ahmed Kamal presented him his book “World of Islam” from the collections of Aga Khan Museum which was highly appreciated by the outgoing envoy. Kamal, in his brief remarks lauded services of the outgoing diplomat for cementing and promoting Pak-Argentinean relations. He billed his prolonged tenure in Pakistan with three Es, engagement, enthusiasm and energy with which he pursued the goal of bolstering ties between the two countries especially in the field of culture.
