Today we commemorate the milestone signing of the Antarctic Treaty. On 1 December 1959, in Washington, DC, twelve countries —including Argentina and Australia— agreed on the treaty that reserved Antarctica for peace and science, and enabled peaceful cooperation.

The Treaty laid the foundations for more than 66 years of peaceful international collaboration in Antarctica — a powerful reminder of what vision, dialogue and diplomacy can achieve.

As original signatories, both Argentina and Australia played important roles in drafting the Treaty, which also recognised the existence of specific territorial claims made by seven nations, including our two countries.

On that same occasion, Argentina and Australia exchanged diplomatic notes formally establishing our bilateral diplomatic relations — a historic step for cooperation between our nations.

For over six decades Argentina and Australia have been key partners in Antarctic affairs, advancing scientific research, environmental protection and multilateral governance in the region.