Argentine President Javier Milei will visit Spain and Israel in March 2024, seeking to sign a defense memorandum with Prime Minister Netanyahu. He will receive an award in Madrid but will not meet with the Spanish government due to prior diplomatic tensions. While in Israel, Milei will reaffirm cooperation on national security matters and commemorate recent tragedies involving Israeli-Argentine citizens.
In March 2024, Argentine President Javier Milei is set to embark on trips to Spain and Israel to enhance international relations. He aims to finalize a memorandum on security and defense with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his visit. Additionally, he may attend a conference in Santiago, Chile, organized by Vinci Compass on March 11.
Milei, age 54, will leave Buenos Aires on March 20, arriving in Madrid on March 21. He plans to stay in Israel for at least four days following his arrival in Tel Aviv on March 23. During his time in Spain, he is expected to receive an award from the Fundación de los Viernes and meet with Spanish lawmakers, although he will not engage with the Spanish government led by Pedro Sánchez due to their strained relations.
Previously, Milei’s accusations against Sánchez’s spouse sparked diplomatic tensions, leading to ambassadorial recalls. His primary focus in Israel will be to engage with Netanyahu and to deliver a speech to the Knesset, thereby strengthening bilateral ties. He will be accompanied by his sister and other high-ranking officials during this visit.
This trip marks Milei’s second visit to Israel, following a previous trip in February 2024 where he met with Netanyahu and visited the Wailing Wall, an emotional experience for him. The agenda will feature discussions on a proposed “Memorandum of Freedom and Democracy” designed to bolster cooperation in combating terrorism and enhancing defense capabilities between Argentina and Israel.
Milei’s commitment to national security includes measures articulated in his state of the nation address, where he expressed a determination to address terrorism decisively. Following the tragic deaths of two Israeli-Argentine children held by Hamas, Milei proclaimed two days of mourning, further illustrating his solidarity with Israel. Netanyahu publicly praised Milei’s leadership and integrity during this difficult time.
Although Milei has plans to relocate Argentina’s Embassy to Jerusalem—aligning with US policies under former President Trump—this has not yet been realized, although diplomatic activities have begun in the city.
President Javier Milei’s upcoming visits to Spain and Israel underscore his commitment to enhancing Argentina’s international relations, particularly in security and defense collaboration. The potential signing of a memorandum with Israel reflects a solidifying alliance amid his administration’s robust national security policies. Milei’s leadership during recent tragedies has further strengthened ties with Israel, despite past diplomatic tensions with Spain. His actions signal a decisive approach to national and international diplomacy.
Original Source: batimes.com.ar
