Argentina’s President Javier Milei will meet on Tuesday with his US counterpart, Donald Trump, at the White House, securing a long-held ambition.
The meeting comes just days after the Milei administration secured fresh financial backing from the Republican government in Washington and with Trump riding high after securing a ceasefire in Gaza and the return of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
Milei departed Buenos Aires for Washington at around 3pm Monday, accompanied by Presidential Chief-of-Staff Karina Milei, Economy Minister Luis Caputo, Security Minister Patricia Bullrich and Central Bank Governor Santiago Bausili.
Foreign Minister Gustavo Werthein, Ambassador to the Untied States Alejandro 'Alec' Oxenford, and presidential adviser Santiago Caputo are already in the US Capitol.
The long-awaited meeting in the Oval Office had been under diplomatic negotiation for several months. It comes shortly after Milei reached what he described as a “historic” financial agreement with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent aimed at stabilising Argentina’s volatile currency situation.
Bessent confirmed a US$20-billion currency swap and has promised to support the Milei administration going into the October midterm elections.
Milei’s schedule remains subject to confirmation as it depended on Trump’s own agenda. The US president is returning from Egypt, where he had earlier overseen the signing of a major international accord to monitor the peace process in the Gaza Strip.
On Monday, Milei praised Trump on social media after Hamas released 20 hostages held since the October 7, 2023 attacks, commending his counterpart’s role in brokering a ceasefire in the Middle East.
The meeting between the two leaders is expected to take place around midday Argentina time, followed by a working lunch in honour of Milei with both countries’ delegations. There is anticipation that the meeting could serve as the stage for announcing a long-discussed bilateral trade deal, a project that Werthein has been negotiating for some time.
Milei is also expected to attend in the afternoon a tribute to right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk, who was shot dead on September 10. His visit will conclude later that evening, when he boards the special flight returning to Argentina with his delegation.
Presidential schedule in Washington (Washington time, one hour behind Buenos Aires)
01.50am Washington time – Arrival at Blair House.
Midday, Tuesday, October 14 – President Milei arrives at the White House, greets President Trump and signs the guest book. Private meeting between the two leaders.
12.45pm – Working lunch in honour of President Milei, attended by both delegations.
1:45pm – Farewell by President Trump.
5pm – Participation in a tribute ceremony for Charlie Kirk (to be confirmed).
Time to be confirmed – Signing of Blair House guest book and photograph with residence staff.
10pm – Departure of the presidential flight returning to Argentina.
– TIMES/NA
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