The U.S. and Argentina reaffirm their commitment to countering authoritarianism in Latin America, particularly in Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. Following meetings between leaders, statements highlighted mutual support for oppressed peoples and the necessity of enhancing economic and diplomatic cooperation. The dialogue reflects a broader strategy to address threats to regional security and human rights violations.
On Tuesday, the United States and Argentina reiterated their commitment to combat authoritarianism in Latin America, focusing particularly on the regimes of Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, as per a State Department statement. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Argentine Foreign Minister Gerardo Werthein held an official meeting, stressing the importance of countering these regimes which allegedly jeopardize U.S. national security and regional stability.
In their joint statement, both leaders expressed support for the Cuban, Nicaraguan, and Venezuelan peoples, highlighting their struggles for fundamental freedoms against oppressive regimes. Secretary Rubio acknowledged Argentina’s collaboration on economic issues and advocated for enhanced bilateral cooperation across strategic sectors, reaffirming their mutual goal of strengthening diplomatic ties.
Cuba was singled out as a priority for both nations amidst growing international pressure against its government, which faces accusations from various organizations regarding human rights violations and oppression of dissent. Argentine President Javier Milei made headlines in September 2024 at the UN General Assembly, characterizing the governments of Cuba, Venezuela, and Iran as “bloody dictatorships” and criticized their roles in the Human Rights Council.
During his speech, President Milei questioned the legitimacy of these regimes’ participation in human rights advocacy, marking a substantial shift in Argentina’s foreign policy, which received mixed reactions. Following this, in November 2024, Milei expelled diplomats from his ministry who had voted to lift the U.S. embargo on Cuba, labeling them “traitors to the homeland,” and conducted a major reshuffle in Argentina’s diplomatic leadership.
In March 2025, Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel expressed solidarity with the protests in Argentina against Milei’s reforms, advocating for public mobilization. This statement faced scrutiny due to the Cuban government’s historical repression of dissent and was highlighted as a contradiction on social media.
The dialogue between the U.S. and Argentina aims to jointly address authoritarianism in Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, viewing these regimes as threats to regional security. Concerns surrounding Cuba stem from its alleged systematic human rights violations and repressive governmental actions. Consequently, U.S. foreign policy under the Trump administration focused on stricter measures against Cuba, intensifying sanctions and reactivating punitive actions such as Title III of the Helms-Burton Act. Argentina, under Javier Milei’s leadership, has also adopted a critical stance toward Cuba, condemning human rights abuses and refusing to appoint ambassadors, consistent with its renewed foreign policy agenda.
The United States and Argentina are committed to combating authoritarianism in Latin America, particularly in Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. Their collaboration is focused on addressing human rights violations and strengthening diplomatic ties. The recent shift in Argentina’s foreign policy under President Milei reflects a firm stance against such regimes, alongside U.S. support that emphasizes regional stability and security. This ongoing dialogue underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing authoritarianism in the region.
Original Source: en.cibercuba.com