President Javier Milei’s Diplomatic Visits to Spain and Israel

President Javier Milei will travel to Spain and Israel, aiming to establish a memorandum on security and defense collaboration. He will depart Buenos Aires on March 20, arriving in Spain for a brief visit and then traveling to Israel for key discussions. His administration is focused on combating terrorism and enhancing Argentina’s security framework, showcasing strong ties with Israel.

President Javier Milei of Argentina is scheduled to embark on an international journey this month, aiming to bolster security and defense collaborations. His itinerary includes a visit to Spain and a return trip to Israel, where he plans to finalize a memorandum with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Additionally, he is contemplating a brief appearance in Santiago de Chile on March 11 to attend a conference organized by Vinci Compass.

Milei will depart from Buenos Aires on March 20, arriving in Madrid on March 21. He is expected to spend time in Israel starting March 23. Reports indicate that during his time in Madrid, the President will receive an award from the Fundación de los Viernes, an organization promoting liberal thinking and democracy. Notably, he will not engage with any officials from the government of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez due to their strained relations.

The primary emphasis of the trip will be Israel, with the Argentine ambassador to Israel, Rabbi Axel Wahnish, confirming Milei’s arrival in Tel Aviv on March 23. While in Israel, Milei is expected to address the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, and meet with Netanyahu, who is anticipated to greet him personally.

Milei’s second visit to Israel since assuming office in December 2023 carries significant diplomatic weight, particularly given the strengthening ties between Argentina and Israel under his leadership. This trip follows his emotional previous visit in February 2024, where he had a bilateral meeting with Netanyahu and a poignant moment at the Wailing Wall.

A key goal of this trip is the signing of a “Memorandum of Freedom and Democracy” focused on combating terrorism and enhancing security cooperation. Wahnish expressed enthusiasm for collaborative projects in innovation, technology, defense, and security, highlighting the commitment to addressing terrorism during Milei’s state of the nation address.

Milei has prioritized national security, recently announcing the development of a new national security law to provide necessary tools for intelligence and law enforcement to deal with threats. He also observed two days of mourning for Israeli-Argentine children Ariel and Kfir Bibas, confirming their tragic deaths after being held hostage by Hamas militants.

In a significant commitment to Israel, Milei previously pledged to relocate Argentina’s embassy to Jerusalem, following a precedent set by the U.S. in 2018. Although this transfer has not been actualized, the ambassador has established diplomatic residence in Jerusalem, illustrating ongoing support for Israel.

President Javier Milei’s upcoming visits to Spain and Israel signify a pivotal moment for Argentina in enhancing its international relationships, particularly in defense and security matters. His meetings and collaborations seek to address terrorism, reflecting Milei’s strong commitment to safeguarding national interests. While challenges persist, particularly regarding diplomatic relations with Spain, the focus remains on fostering robust connections with Israel. Through these initiatives, Milei aims to solidify Argentina’s position on the global stage, ensuring cooperation and mutual assistance in critical areas.

Original Source: batimes.com.ar