Argentina has requested to join Nato as a “global partner” despite its ongoing sovereignty claim over the Falkland Islands.
Javier Milei, the country’s President, is hoping that the membership will boost ties with Western powers and attract investment.
However, Milei is still steadfast in his pursuit of gaining the Falkland Islands, recently laying out a “roadmap” of how he will ensure the South Atlantic islands are returned to the Argentine administration before the end of his tenure in office.
In January, Milei and the UK Foreign Secretary discussed the contentious issue during a meeting, in which they said “they would agree to disagree, and do so politely,” according to the Foreign Office.
Argentina has requested to join Nato as a 'global partner' despite its ongoing sovereignty claim over the Falklands Islands
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Today, Defence Minister Luis Alfonso Petri met with Deputy Secretary General of Nato Mircea Geoana in Brussels to submit the formal request.
Petri wrote online: “I met with Deputy Secretary General of Nato Geoana. I transmitted a letter of intent to him, which contains a request from Argentina to become a global partner of this organisation.”
Geoana said he welcomed the South American country’s bid to become an accredited partner in the military alliance – a country considered an “ally” but not in Nato's geographical area and therefore not required to take part in collective action.
The military alliance’s membership comprises only of European countries, Turkey, Canada, and the United States.
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The Falkland Islands were occupied by Britain in January 1833GettyGeoana said: “It is a great pleasure to welcome Defence Minister Petri to NATO Headquarters.
“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.”
All 32 members must approve the request in order for Argentina to become a “global partner” – Columbia is the only South American country to have been granted this status.
In a speech earlier this month in Buenos Aires, Milei said he wanted to reiterate Argentina's “unwavering claim” for the south Atlantic islands.
The Falklands Islands will always be defended by Britain, David Cameron has saidPAThe speech fell on “Malvinas Day” - what Argentina and much of the Spanish-speaking world calls the Falklands - commemorating the 42nd anniversary of the start of the war - the day Argentine forces invaded the islands.
Milei said: “I want to reiterate our unwavering claim for the islands, and I commit that during our government we will have a clear roadmap so that the Malvinas return to Argentine hands.
He added the “best tribute” to Argentina's dead in the war would be to “defend the unwavering claim for Argentine sovereignty” over the archipelago.
The President continued: “But a real and sincere claim, not mere words in international forums with no impact on reality and that only serve the politician in power to impose a false love for the country.”