Celebrating 100 years with a political relaunch
H.E. Mr. Claudio Javier Rozencwaig, Ambassador of Argentina
Text: Martina Hošková and M.Zisso; Photo: Archive
Can you tell us a few words about yourself?
I am Claudio Rozencwaig, I am married, and I have a 14-year-old daughter. I am a lawyer who graduated in Buenos Aires, and, since last year, the ambassador to the Czech Republic.
What made you become an ambassador?
I studied law in Buenos Aires, was in Milan at the Istituto Per gli Studi di Politica Internazionale (ISPI) for one year as a researcher on the diplomatic relations between Italy and Argentina, and then attended Luigi Bocconi University, where I took some specialization courses.
I then entered the diplomatic career in 1994. I was always interested in international relations, as well as in collaborating on bringing together countries and peoples. That was the key to why I chose to be a diplomat. During my career, I was Ambassador to the FAO, IFAD, and WFP in Rome, Ambassador in Tunisia, Undersecretary of Foreign Policy in Buenos Aires, and have now been Ambassador to the Czech Republic for almost a year.
You took your position in the Czech Republic less than one year ago. How has it been so far?
It has been very interesting arriving in Prague, my first position in Central Europe – a place, currently, very important due to the international context.
I arrived during the centenary of the diplomatic relations between our countries, which meant tha I had to immerse myself in the preparation of political, cultural, and economic-commercial events. My objective has also been to quickly contact the Czech authorities, businessmen, politicians, the press, cultural and scientific actors, and other sectors to deepen those ties that unite us.
The Embassy of Argentina team
Which countries did you serve in before?
I have served twice in Italy – first as a Secretary and Counsellor in our bilateral embassy, and many years later as Ambassador to the FAO, IFAD, and WFP. I therefore know that country very well, and love it very much, especially Rome, and I married an Italian woman as well.
As I already mentioned, I was also Ambassador to Tunisia, a country with an immense historical and cultural heritage, to which I am also very attached.
Does being an ambassador fit into your lifestyle?
Being a diplomat is a way of living, which affects your personal life, marital life, and children. It is a great responsibility because you represent your country. It is a great honour, but also a great responsibility. I think I enjoy it a lot, but it has had a very big impact on my private life.
Have you had any unusual adventures during your career?
I don’t know if it’s an adventure, but work trips to the most remote places in the world have been something that I carry in my heart. In Africa, in Asia, they have taught me many lessons. But I’ve never been bitten by an animal, or hit a car, or that sort of thing.
What, in your opinion, is the most difficult part of being an ambassador?
The most difficult thing about being an ambassador is that you can never unplug or disconnect. You are an ambassador 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This represents a different dimension of life.
From right: President Petr Pavel and H.E. Mr. Claudio Javier Rozencwaig, Ambassador of Argentina
When you do have free time, how do you spend it?
I really like travelling by car, seeing places and different people, and trying different foods. I also really like reading and watching television, especially historical movies.
I am curently taking the opportunity to explore this wonderful country, not only Prague (which is a fantastic city) but also Brno, Český Krumlov, Kutná Hora, Karlovy Vary, and the entire interior of the country.
Can you give a piece of advice to the next generation of ambassadors?
Two or three tips for the new generation: Love this job very much, because otherwise it is impossible to enjoy it. Be clear about the objectives of a meeting, a visit, or a negotiation, and study a lot before each event and meeting. Finally, for this job it is necessary to have a lot of patience – it is a long-distance race, where nothing can be taken for granted.
Czechia and Argentina are marking their 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations. How is this being celebrated?
This is a fundamental year in our diplomatic relations. We started on January 8th, with an even at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs featuring Vice Minister Jiří Kozák. We continued with Minister Lipavský’s trip to Buenos Aires in April, after which came the visit of the Speaker of the Chamber Jan Skopeček, Minister Ženíšek (former President of the Commission of External Affairs of the Chamber), and other deputies to my country.
We had the visit of President Javier Milei to the Czech Republic in June, the first Argentinian president in 100 years to travel to this country, who met Prime Minister Fiala and President Pavel, and also received an award.
We also had significant participation in the Book Fair, had organized the Malbec World Day, are going to organize a film festival, and we hope to have other visits in the latter half of 2024, as well as during 2025.
I think it is a year of relaunching bilateral ties, where both parties have great hopes of strengthening relations in the future.
Bilateral ties may be strengthened through holiday travel as well. What would you recommend to a Czech tourist visiting Argentina?
Go to the end of the world and you will find the Iguazu Falls, the Perito Moreno Glacier, and an open and welcoming people. Have lunch or dinner with an excellent Malbec wine and the best meat in the world, take the opportunity to go to the stadium to watch a soccer game, and end up dancing the tango! All of this and more you can find in Argentina.
Can you evaluate the current state of Czechia–Argentina relations?
Relations between our two countries are excellent at the moment. These relations are celebrating their 100-year anniversary with a political relaunch, a presidential visit, common visions in foreign policy, huge collaboration in international organizations, and a growing interest in increasing trade and investments in various areas such as technology, medical equipment, energy, mining, and others.
This interview is also done to mark Argentina’s National Day. What do you wish for on this occasion?
On this Independence Day, I hope that both countries can walk together on a path of peace and prosperity, affirming our common values of defence of democracy, freedom, and human rights.