El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele met with Argentine President Javier Milei on Monday at the Casa Rosada in Buenos Aires, marking Bukele’s first official visit to Argentina since Milei took office. The meeting comes amid rising concerns over human rights violations in both countries, as both leaders have faced criticism for their controversial policies.
The two presidents engaged in talks centered around energy, trade, and security, although no public statements or joint press conferences were held following their discussions. Bukele expressed optimism about the meeting beforehand, stating, “It will be a very good meeting; Milei and I are friends.”
Both leaders have been praised and criticized for their hardline approaches to crime. Bukele’s administration has been noted for its aggressive crackdown on gang violence, which has led to the arrest of over 74,000 individuals since a state of emergency was declared in March 2022. However, reports indicate that less than a third of those arrested are actual gang members, with many detained based on flimsy evidence.
Milei has publicly admired Bukele’s tactics and indicated a desire to replicate some of his methods in Argentina. This includes discussions around enhancing security cooperation between the two nations.
Both leaders are under scrutiny from international organizations for their human rights records. The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) recently released a report detailing numerous violations linked to El Salvador’s state of emergency, including arbitrary detentions and excessive use of force.
Prior to Bukele’s arrival, protests were held in Argentina against human rights abuses in El Salvador. Activists and family members of detainees have called for accountability and reforms to protect civil liberties.
Following his discussions with Milei, Bukele is scheduled to meet with Argentine Vice President Victoria Villarruel before departing Buenos Aires on Tuesday evening. This meeting is expected to further solidify bilateral ties and explore avenues for cooperation in addressing security challenges.
Bukele and Milei first met during Bukele’s inauguration in June 2024, shortly after Milei assumed the presidency. Their relationship has been characterized by mutual admiration for each other’s leadership styles, particularly regarding their approaches to crime and governance.
Earlier this year, Argentina’s Security Minister Patricia Bullrich visited El Salvador to sign agreements aimed at strengthening collaboration against organized crime, including joint training programs for security forces.
