Initially, the information published by the US Embassy in Argentina indicates that the meeting will aim to learn about the missions of Tierra del Fuego military personnel and the key role they play in protecting maritime routes vital to global trade. However, President Javier Milei's announcement on April 3, 2024, following the meeting held in the Tierra del Fuego capital with General Laura Richardson, that the political objective of advancing the creation of an Integrated Naval Base for Antarctic development with US military participation, is positioned as the main issue, even though it has not been officially mentioned .
What's also concrete is that the three-day visit by the new head of the Southern Command, scheduled for next week, marks the second visit by a high-ranking U.S. official to Javier Milei's administration in the last ten days . Last Monday, Secretary of State Scott Bessent visited Buenos Aires to reaffirm the Trump administration's support for the Casa Rosada .
Holsey, 59, took office in November of last year , prior to Donald Trump's arrival at the White House , and this will be his first visit to Argentina on a mission that, according to the U.S. embassy itself, "underscores the long-standing commitment to enhancing the strategic partnership" between the two countries.
In addition, the US military officer's agenda includes meetings with the Minister of Defense, Luis Petri, and the Chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Armed Forces, General Xavier Isaac , among other officials.
At these meetings, they will analyze the long-standing military collaboration between our nations, with the goal of strengthening regional security and advancing shared interests.
The embassy noted that "with more than two centuries of diplomatic ties, the United States and Argentina continue to strengthen their political, security, economic, and cultural ties, and reaffirm Argentina's position as a trusted regional partner in promoting democracy, security, and prosperity."
Southern Command is one of six geographically focused unified commands of the United States and is responsible for U.S. military operations in the Caribbean, Central America, and South America, as well as security cooperation with defense and public safety forces in the region.
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