President Javier Milei received the new United States ambassador in Buenos Aires, Peter Lamelas, at the Casa Rosada on Monday, engaging in brief private discussions. Lamelas, 66, formally presented his diplomatic credentials to the President, a day after officially commencing his mission in Argentina. The Cuban-born US diplomat made an appearance at Government House shortly after 5pm, departing just over an hour later. The ceremony, which featured the presence of Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno, also encompassed the presentation of credentials by a number of new ambassadors, including Austria’s Gerhard Mayer, Belgium’s Hubert Raymond Cooreman, the European Union’s Erik Hoeg, the United Kingdom’s David Seldon Cairns, and Switzerland’s Andrea Semadeni. Subsequent to the group ceremony, Milei convened a private meeting with Lamelas in his office. The newly appointed ambassador engaged in discussions with Foreign Minister Quirno at the Palacio San Martín on Monday.
Argentina’s Milei and Caputo are scheduled to engage with investors in New York on Friday. The government of Argentina, led by President Javier Milei, regards its relationship with the United States as critically significant. Buenos Aires regards Washington as a crucial partner capable of facilitating investment influx and bolstering its economic stabilization agenda. In this context, diplomacy is being redefined as a fundamental component of the administration’s narrative of “opening to the world.” “Ambassador Peter Lamelas met today with President Javier Milei, presenting his credentials and reaffirming the United States’ commitment to further strengthening the relationship between our two countries, based on shared values and interests,” stated the US Embassy. The discussions occurred mere hours prior to Milei’s journey to the United States – marking his 14th visit since assuming office. The President is set to depart for Miami tomorrow to participate in the 2025 America Business Forum, held at the Kaseya Center. This event convenes prominent individuals from the realms of global politics, sports, entertainment, and culture.
The organisers have confirmed a lineup of speakers that features US President Donald Trump, Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, Argentina’s national football team star Lionel Messi, former Google CEO and chairman Eric Schmidt, Rafael Nadal, Jamie Dimon, Will Smith, Ken Griffin, FIFA president Gianni Infantino, Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, among others. Government sources indicated that the President’s schedule remains under finalization; however, a meeting with Trump appears improbable due to scheduling conflicts. Milei, following his engagement with Lamelas, welcomed evangelical preacher Franklin Graham at Casa Rosada. Graham, who delivered sermons at Trump’s initial and subsequent presidential inaugurations, currently holds the position of president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association as well as the evangelical relief organization Samaritan’s Purse. He was accompanied by Melvin Graham, a member of the BGEA board, Christopher Swanson, the director for BGEA Latin America, and Viktor Hamm, who serves as the vice-president of Crusades at BGEA.
Graham, scheduled for two performances at the Vélez Sarsfield football club this week, has encountered backlash due to earlier statements labeling homosexuality as an “abomination” and advocating for “conversion therapy” treatment. On Monday, Milei and several of his Cabinet officials engaged in a prayer event with evangelical church leaders at the Casa Rosada – marking the inaugural occasion that a group of representatives from the faith had been invited to hold an event at Government House. Representatives from the Christian Alliance of Evangelical Churches of the Argentine Republic, encompassing approximately 85 percent of these churches, conducted the service. Prayers were extended for the nation, its officials, and the churches, alongside calls for enhancements in the economy, justice, and education, as well as for progress in combating drug trafficking. The representatives also prayed for Milei, requesting divine assistance in granting him “wisdom, courage and temperance to guide Argentina in difficult times.”