MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

UK/Arg chamber praises departing Ambassador Hughes

"Welshman" Hughes was "captured" by Argentina's enchantment

British Ambassador in Argentina John Hughes, who ends a four-year mission here this month, was given the warmest of farewells by the British-Argentine Chamber of Commerce (CCAB) earlier this week in the stately surroundings of the ex-mansion wing of a Buenos Aires downtown hotel.

Describing Hughes as being as much a Welsh as a British Ambassador, CCAB president Brian Henderson emphasized how open and business-minded the diplomat had been in a profession which traditionally does not encourage either characteristic (perhaps being seconded to British Aerospace and Shell during his Foreign Office career helped). During his four years here British exports have risen from 179 to 307 million pounds within a bilateral trade of 1.5 billion US dollars. But more than a partner and an honorary president, Hughes was a friend who, soon after arrival to Buenos Aires, had offered the CCAB Embassy space for its offices in the difficult years following the 2001-02 Argentine meltdown. Hughes said a diplomatic career beginning in 1973 had given him, beyond wonderful travel and linguistic opportunities, the one thing you do not learn - people. His entire family intends to return here, his two sons to stay. The departing envoy was the star of the dinner event (complete with tango show) but not its beneficiary - this was the British Hospital with a bumper cheque for $25,000 from the proceeds. Ms Shan Morgan has been appointed as the new ambassador to Argentina and non-resident ambassador to Paraguay, in succession to Dr John Hughes who will be retiring from the Diplomatic Service. Ms Morgan will take up her appointment during November 2008, according to the Foreign Office. Ms. Morgan was previously FCO Director European Union and before UK Representative in Brussels, as Counsellor for Social, Environment and Regional Affairs. (MP/BAH)