“Argentina has everything the world needs”

After participating in the G20 meetings and meeting with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, in Brazil, Antony Blinken arrived in Buenos Aires where he spoke for an hour and twenty minutes with President Javier Milei, at Casa Rosada. Blinken arrived at the meeting location ahead of schedule and walked through Plaza de Mayo, where white scarves are painted on the ground, symbolizing the struggle of the Mothers of Plaza de Mayo to locate their children and grandchildren kidnapped during the military dictatorship (1976- 1983). Accompanied by security guards and police officers from the Federal Capital and the Federal Police, Blinken also visited the historic building of the Cabildo de Buenos Aires, in the same square.

During a press conference, Blinken said the meeting was “incredibly productive and detailed.” According to him, Argentina “has everything the world needs.” The statement was interpreted as support for the government’s expectations for the arrival of foreign investments, after Milei’s inauguration and the strong adjustment measures, which have been praised by experts in the financial market, but criticized by experts in the social area, who call the attention to the increase in poverty. The Minister of Economy, Luis Caputo, has said that the sacrifice will be compensated with the drop in inflation over the next few months. Economist Gustavo Perego, from the consultancy Abeceb, in Buenos Aires, defined the government’s plan as “consistent” and understands that the economy will make a ‘V’ movement, falling sharply and then growing again. Political analysts note, however, that the success expected by the government will depend on the patience of Argentines in the face of the crunch that is being implemented.

The visit took place hours after meetings, also in the Argentine capital, of the number two at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Gita Gopinath, with Milei and the Minister of Economy, Luis Caputo. The United States is decisive in the direction of the international organization, with which Argentina has a billion-dollar debt signed during the government of former president Mauricio Macri.

In the interview, when asked about the Milei government’s dollarization plans, Blinken responded: “Dollarization depends on Argentina. We look forward to hearing the plan. And we support Argentina’s agreement with the IMF to resolve outstanding work,” Blinken said, alongside by Argentine Chancellor Diana Mondino.

Milei changed her schedule so she could be in Buenos Aires this Friday (23) and welcome Blinken, from Democrat Joe Biden’s government. The president would travel to the United States during the week to participate in the meeting of conservatives from several countries, held in Maryland, and where the star promises to be Republican Donald Trump, candidate for re-election in November. After the meeting with Blinken, Milei then embarked to participate in the international right and extreme right event.