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Argentina’s President-elect Milei Meets with Biden Administration Officials in Washington

Argentina's President-elect Javier Milei meets with Biden administration officials in Washington to discuss economic priorities and strengthen diplomatic ties. The visit underscores the importance of cooperation between the U.S. and Argentina.

President-elect Javier Milei (right) of Argentina visits the Montefiore Cemetery after praying next to Chabad-Lubavitch rabbis at the resting place of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson on Nov. 27, 2023, in the Queens borough of New York. | Andres Kudacki/AP

Argentina’s newly elected right-wing President, Javier Milei, is set to meet with President Joe Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, and other administration officials in Washington. Milei, often compared to former President Donald Trump, was elected earlier this month and is scheduled to be inaugurated on December 10. The visit aims to explain Milei’s economic plan, including fiscal adjustment, monetary reform, state reform, and deregulation. While President Biden will not meet with Milei, the visit underscores the importance of maintaining communication and cooperation between the United States and Argentina on economic, regional, and multilateral issues.

Key Points:

  • Meeting with Sullivan: President-elect Milei’s meeting with Jake Sullivan and other officials focuses on economic policy priorities. The discussions are protocol-driven to explain Argentina’s economic plan and are not aimed at seeking financing.
  • Treasury Department Meeting: Milei’s economic policy advisers will also meet with senior Treasury officials to discuss the incoming administration’s economic priorities.
  • Cooperation with Argentina: The Biden administration expresses a commitment to finding ways to cooperate with Argentina, emphasizing the country’s significance as a partner in the hemisphere.
  • Milei’s Economic Plan: Milei’s economic plan includes fiscal adjustment, monetary reform, state reform, and deregulation. The visit aims to provide insights into these policy priorities.
  • Comparison to Trump: Milei, often likened to former President Trump, has been open about his admiration for Trump. He received a congratulatory call from Trump, who expressed the intention to visit Argentina for an in-person meeting.
  • Biden’s Call: President Biden congratulated Milei, highlighting the strong relationship between the U.S. and Argentina on economic issues, regional cooperation, and shared priorities like human rights and clean energy.
  • Milei’s Stance on Israel: The president-elect has expressed staunch support for Israel and aims to move Argentina’s embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, following Trump’s example.
  • Clinton Meeting: While in New York, Milei met with former President Bill Clinton, discussing the future of Argentina and the region.
  • Respect for Judaism: Milei, a Roman Catholic, has been studying the Torah and has openly talked about his respect for Judaism. He has expressed a desire to convert to Judaism.
  • Support for Israel: Milei has waved an Israeli flag at his rallies and is internationally recognized as a friend of Israel. He aims to strengthen ties between Argentina and Israel.

Milei’s visit to Washington underscores the diplomatic and economic considerations between the U.S. and Argentina and provides insights into the president-elect’s economic and foreign policy priorities.

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