Since 1860, several thousands Lebanese began immigrating to Argentina, mainly to escape persecution from the Ottoman Empire (for which Lebanon was a part of at the time) and from the Mount Lebanon civil war.[3] Initially most Lebanese migrants to Argentina were Christians, however, over the decades, Lebanese professing the Islamic faith also began immigrating to Argenitna.[3] In 1943, Lebanon obtained its independence from France and in 1945, Argentina recognized the independence of and established diplomatic relations with Lebanon.[4] In May 1954, Lebanese President Camille Chamoun paid an official visit to Argentina and met with Argentine President Juan Perón.[5] After the visit, Argentina opened an embassy in Beirut.[6]