By Raul Castillo
Sep 30, 2024, 7:39 PM EDT
The president of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele, held an official meeting this Monday with his Argentine counterpart, Javier Milei, as part of his visit to Argentina.
Bukele, who was received at the Casa Rosada with a hug from Milei, highlighted the importance of the meeting, pointing out that they would address fundamental issues such as energy, trade and security, areas in which both governments seek to strengthen their cooperation.
“We are great friends,” Bukele said of Milei, underlining the close relationship that both presidents have forged in recent months.
The bilateral meeting took place in a context of growing collaboration between Argentina and El Salvador, driven by the ideological affinity of both leaders, who share critical positions towards the traditional political system and a sovereignist approach in the management of their respective countries.
One of the central points of the conversation was security cooperation, an area in which El Salvador has gained international notoriety due to the policies implemented by the Bukele government in its fight against drug trafficking and organized crime.
A symbolic gesture to start the visit
Before the meeting at the Casa Rosada, Bukele began his official visit with a symbolic act in Buenos Aires, where he presented a wreath at the monument of the Liberator General José de San Martín.
Accompanied by the Argentine Foreign Minister, Diana Mondino, the Salvadoran president paid tribute to the Argentine national hero, in a gesture that reaffirms the historical ties between both nations.
After the event, Bukele went to the headquarters of the Argentine Executive, where he was received by supporters who were near the palace. The president responded with a greeting before entering the building for his meeting with Milei.
A growing relationship
The relationship between Bukele and Milei has been strengthening since the libertarian politician assumed the presidency of Argentina.
Both presidents have met on several occasions, including their recent participation in the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
In June, Milei also traveled to El Salvador to attend Bukele’s inauguration ceremony for his second term, consolidating a closeness that has been marked by their similar approach to domestic and foreign policy issues.
Both governments have maintained a shared agenda on security issues, with a special interest in the fight against organized crime. Argentine Security Minister Patricia Bullrich recently visited El Salvador, where she toured the Terrorism Confinement Center, one of Bukele’s most notable initiatives in the fight against gangs.
With information from EFE.
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