This week, Argentina formally applied to become a “global partner” with the US-led military alliance NATO.
– We will continue to work on recovering links that will allow us to modernise and train our forces to NATO standards, promises the country’s defense minister, Luis Petri.
At Platform X, Petri tells how he recently met with NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoana in Brussels and “presented him with the letter of intent expressing Argentina’s request to become a global partner of this organisation”.
The military alliance currently has nine “global partners” in addition to its member countries – and in Latin America, only Colombia has that status.
In short, being a NATO “partner” means increased cooperation in a number of areas – including the fight against terrorism, organized crime, cyber security, and maritime security.
Me reuní con @Mircea_Geoana, Secretario General Adjunto de la @NATO. Le presenté la carta de intención que expresa la solicitud de Argentina en convertirse en un socio global de esta organización. Seguiremos trabajando en recuperar vínculos que permitan modernizar y capacitar a… pic.twitter.com/PN0s5bx9U2
— Luis Petri (@luispetri) April 18, 2024
Rejects BRICS
Argentina’s move into the NATO sphere is seen as further evidence of President Miley’s ambition to change the country’s foreign policy course. The self-proclaimed anarcho-capitalist has previously said that the US and Israel are his main allies and has also expressed support for Ukraine. He has also previously declined to join the BRICS partnership, which includes countries such as Brazil, Russia and China.
According to Argentine sources, the application is welcome and will be processed as soon as possible – although it requires the approval of all 32 member states.
“Argentina plays an important role in Latin America, and I welcome today’s request to explore becoming a NATO partner. NATO works with a range of countries around the world to promote peace and stability. Closer political and practical cooperation could benefit us both”, Geoana said in a press release.
According to the statement, the meeting also focused largely on Argentina’s continued support for Ukraine in the form of “humanitarian aid, food, medicine and support for refugees.
