Milei to 'surely' meet Trump on US trip, says Werthein

Argentina's President Javier Milei will "surely" meet US counterpart Donald Trump on a visit to the United States Wednesday, a top official told local media.

Milei's trip comes as Argentina seeks a US$20-billion loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to replenish its Central Bank's reserves.

The two leaders will receive awards for their "conservative values" during a ceremony at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, Argentine Foreign Minister Gerardo Werthein told local news channel LN+ on Tuesday.

"We have nothing formally scheduled, but there will surely be a meeting," Werthein said.

"There is no doubt that the issue of the IMF is an important part of the bilateral agenda with the United States."

Milei will travel to the United States on Wednesday, Werthein confirmed, without revealing the date of the award ceremony.

Milei, who has portrayed himself as a Trump ally, has slashed public spending since taking office in December 2023.

His policy of strict austerity slowed inflation considerably but failed to lift consumer spending.

The prospect of another IMF loan – US$20 billion loan on top of the US$44 billion it already owes –– has caused a run on the peso, prompted by fears that the new deal could entail a possible devaluation which Milei has rebuffed.

– TIMES/AFP