Milei’s Upcoming Visits to Spain and Israel Focus on Security Collaboration
President Javier Milei is set to visit Spain and Israel this month to establish a security collaboration agreement with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. His itinerary includes meetings with lawmakers in Madrid and a possible conference in Santiago. This visit marks Milei’s second trip to Israel since taking office, focusing on strengthening defense ties and reaffirming Argentina’s international commitments against terrorism.
President Javier Milei of Argentina is set to embark on a journey to Spain and Israel this month, aiming to establish a memorandum focused on security and defense cooperation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Reports also indicate possible participation in a conference in Santiago de Chile on March 11, organized by Vinci Compass, a prominent alternative investments firm in Latin America.
Milei, aged 54, will depart Buenos Aires for Spain on March 20, arriving in Madrid the following day. He plans to arrive in Israel on March 23 for a visit of at least four days. During his stay in Madrid, he is to receive an award from the Fundación de los Viernes, a platform advocating liberal thought and democracy, and is expected to engage with lawmakers; however, he will not meet with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez due to their strained relations.
The primary focus of Milei’s visit will be Israel, where he is expected to receive a warm welcome from Netanyahu in Tel Aviv. Accompanying him will be his sister, Chief-of-Staff Karina Milei, and Foreign Minister Gerardo Werthein. This marks Milei’s second visit to Israel since assuming office in December 2023, following his prior trip in February 2024, which included a touching visit to the Wailing Wall.
A key objective of the visit is to sign a “Memorandum of Freedom and Democracy” aimed at enhancing cooperation in defense and counter-terrorism, reflecting the strengthened ties between Argentina and Israel since Milei’s tenure began. “There is a great deal of enthusiasm and excitement to move forward with projects of cooperation and collaboration in the areas of innovation, technology, defense and security,” remarked Rabbi Axel Wahnish, Argentina’s Ambassador to Israel.
In a state of the nation address, Milei conveyed his commitment to confronting terrorism, announcing the development of a national security law intended to empower the national state and intelligence services. Recent tragic events, including the death of Israeli-Argentine children taken hostage by Hamas militants, have further solidified his resolve, garnering gratitude from Netanyahu for Milei’s leadership.
During his first year, Milei expressed intentions to relocate Argentina’s Embassy to Jerusalem, following a precedent set by former US President Donald Trump in 2018, although this has yet to be actualized. Meanwhile, Ambassador Wahnish has already established his diplomatic residence in Jerusalem, indicating ongoing diplomatic efforts.
In summary, President Javier Milei’s forthcoming diplomatic visits to Spain and Israel highlight Argentina’s commitment to enhancing international security collaborations, particularly in counter-terrorism initiatives. His engagement with Israel underscores the presidential dedication to strengthening bilateral relations, while also addressing national security challenges facing Argentina. Overall, these diplomatic activities reflect Milei’s proactive approach to international relations and defense decisions that resonate deeply with his constituents and allies.
Original Source: batimes.com.ar
