**Washington**: President Javier Milei’s recent visit to the US highlights his close ties with Trump, receiving an award at Mar-a-Lago. The relationship raises questions about US interests in Argentina amid significant economic challenges and competition for resources like lithium, essential for renewable energy.
President Javier Milei of Argentina recently completed a brief visit to the United States, a trip that has attracted significant attention, particularly for his engagement with former President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s residence in Florida. During this visit, Milei was honoured with an award from a right-wing organisation, underscoring the growing ties between the two leaders. Trump described Milei as his “favourite president,” as illustrated in a recent article by The New York Times.
Milei, who has been in office for slightly over a year, has made 15 trips to the United States during his tenure. He has frequently met with both Trump and prominent businessman Elon Musk. Notably, during a prior meeting, Milei presented Musk with a chainsaw, which he has styled as a symbol of his aggressive economic policies aimed at “cutting” through Argentina’s economic challenges.
The New York Times highlighted an intriguing aspect of this relationship, questioning why Trump has placed Argentina “in the front row of U.S. allies,” especially as the nation grapples with significant economic issues and is not deemed a major geopolitical or economic partner by traditional standards. The article suggests that Trump may value Milei’s admiration and compliance, quoting Trump’s sentiment: “I love him because he loves Trump,” emphasizing a personal affinity that transcends mere political alignment.
Additionally, the piece noted Milei’s enthusiastic reception at Mar-a-Lago, where he was the first world leader to meet Trump after the latter’s election, celebrating the moment by declaring, “Today the world is a much better place.” The dynamics between the two leaders appear to extend to mimicking one another’s policy decisions; Milei has adopted several of Trump’s strategies, including withdrawing from the World Health Organization and questioning international agreements such as the Paris Climate Accord.
Milei has received praise from Trump for his efforts to stabilise the Argentine economy, achieving reductions in inflation, economic growth, and a balanced budget. However, The New York Times pointed out the ongoing economic difficulties Argentina faces, with the country historically mired in cycles of crisis. It described Argentina as a “strategically difficult partner,” emphasising its geographical isolation and economic hardships.
The article also explored potential motivations behind U.S. interest in Argentina, notably its vast reserves of strategic minerals such as lithium, essential for renewable energy technologies. Companies from both the United States and China are vying for opportunities to exploit these resources, with Tesla, led by Musk, actively sourcing Argentine lithium for manufacturing electric car batteries. Although U.S. officials have reportedly encouraged the Milei administration to reduce ties with China, the reality is that under Milei’s leadership, trade with China has increased significantly. In fact, China remains a more crucial trading partner for Argentina, purchasing commodities like soybeans, silver, and meat.
As Argentina seeks a substantial $20 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund, the significance of U.S. support becomes clearer, especially given that Washington holds significant sway within the Fund. The New York Times concluded that the current relationship appears to favour Milei most, as he navigates complex international dynamics while relying on U.S. backing amidst Argentina’s ongoing economic struggles.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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