Editor’s note: A friendly soccer match between LAC UNITED, a team comprised of 24 Latin American and Caribbean diplomats, and the Rongjiang Luohanguo team, took place on Saturday in Rongjiang, Guizhou province. The match highlighted the 2024 “Discover China Cultural Tour” of Guizhou for Diplomats in China & Guizhou Village Super League co-organized by China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Argentine Embassy in China.

The following is a speech given by Argentine Ambassador to China Marcelo Gabriel Suarez Salvia on Thursday during a meeting with Guizhou Governor Li Bingjun in Guiyang, Southwest China’s Guizhou province.

Esteemed Governor of Guizhou, Li Bingjun; distinguished authorities from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China; esteemed ambassadors and diplomatic friends:

It is an honor to be here with you and have the chance to speak on behalf of such a diverse diplomatic delegation. We are joined by ambassadors from Colombia, Croatia, the Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, the Kingdom of Morocco and South Africa, as well as diplomatic officials from numerous countries in Latin America and the Caribbean: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Mexico, Peru, Suriname, and Uruguay.

This journey presents a valuable opportunity to deepen our relations and strengthen the ties between China and the accredited diplomatic corps. I would like to highlight the efforts made by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China in organizing the wonderful program, "Discover China Cultural Tour."

On this occasion, we will have the privilege of exploring the rich cultural diversity of Guizhou, with its vibrant history and unique traditions. Guizhou is an extraordinarily rich province in cultural diversity, home to numerous ethnic groups, including the Miao, Dong and Yao people, who have preserved their traditions and ways of life over many centuries.

This diversity is vividly expressed through their colorful attire and lively dances. The region's folk music and local craftsmanship further enhance this cultural wealth, creating an environment where ancestral traditions intertwine with contemporary influences. Guizhou stands as a testament to China's cultural heritage and exemplifies how diversity can be a source of unity and enrichment.

During our stay in Guizhou, we will enrich our experiences and interpretations of China, establishing new connections and relationships that will grant us a deeper understanding of the rich cultural heritage of this ancient civilization. For this, we are immensely grateful.

In this regard, I am also pleased to mention that it will be an honor for us to participate in the Promotion and Tourism Conference of Guizhou, as well as to visit Dali Dong Village and the village of Rongjiang.

Now, if I may, I would like to focus specifically on Rongjiang.

As you know, next Saturday, we will celebrate a historic friendly football match for China and the Latin American and Caribbean nations—an event that will be remembered as a symbol of cooperation and understanding between our cultures. This will be the first time that a team composed of Latin American and Caribbean diplomats participates in the Cunchao, promising an unforgettable celebration.

On behalf of our team, LAC UNITED, I would like to share some reflections on the sport and its connection to diplomacy. Sport, and particularly football, has the power to connect peoples, cultures, and dreams. Through initiatives like this, we aim to highlight the great values of sports; teamwork, collective effort, fun, and above all, the friendship among those who play and those who participate as spectators. Latin America and the Caribbean are vibrant reflections of these values, and we know that the same sporting passion is shared in Cunchao.

Regarding this, I would like to emphasize that during our preparation for this match, we have seen images that illustrate the passion for football in the Village Super League. They reflect the genuine energy and enthusiasm of local communities for the sport, demonstrating how football is deeply integrated into the daily lives of the people. Such events highlight essential values like community spirit, dedication and joy, powerfully reminding us of how football can unite people, regardless of their background.

We view this match as a true bridge between cultures, a way to unite people from different parts of the world through a global passion like football. In other words, sports and diplomacy are great generators of friendship and mutual understanding. Many of us, as Latin Americans and Caribbeans, feel a connection to Cun Chao: in the passion of the children and footballers of Rongjiang for the sport, we see the same dreams that resonate in our region.

I am convinced that, from this initiative, mutual understanding of Guizhou will increase in our region, leading to future opportunities in trade, tourism and other fields. The enormous popularity of Cunchao at both national and international levels will serve as a significant stimulus in this regard.

I would like to express my gratitude to the government of Guizhou and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism for their support in making this cultural tour possible. Together, let us celebrate our diversity, promote cooperation and build lasting friendships that will benefit future generations.

Thank you very much.