UK's Foreign Minister visits Malvinas for 'Liberation Day' celebrations

The first British minister to visit the Malvinas Islands in an official capacity since 2008 is set to arrive today at the South Atlantic Archipelago. Thus, Foreign and Commonwealth Office Minister Jeremy Browne is scheduled to attend ‘Liberation Day’ celebrations later this week to mark the 30th anniversary of the end of the Malvinas War.

Browne left the United Kingdom last night and is expected to make several official visits during his four-day stay at the archipelago. The official will visit key sites in the 1982 battle, including San Carlos, Pradera del Ganso, and Puerto Argentino.

Tomorrow, Browne is scheduled to visit Fox Bay Village for a chat on rural development and a presentation by the Islands Chamber of Commerce.

On Wednesday, the foreign official will visit a community school and attend a formal reception at Government House. The following day he will participate in the ‘Liberation Day’ service and parade, organized by the Islands’ government.

Last week, Browne turned down an invitation sent by Argentine Foreign Minister Héctor Timerman to visit Argentina.

The Foreign Office said that “Mr Browne was grateful for the invitation,” however “he has a full schedule of events in the Falkland Islands (Malvinas) to commemorate the thirtieth anniversary of the conflict there.”

Last week, Browne also accused Argentina of acting in a "domineering way" by seeking to put an economic blockade on the islanders.