Milei says Argentina will pursue the Falklands diplomatically: “We do not believe in military solutions”

Argentine President Javier Milei stated in Madrid that he is optimistic the Falkland Islands can be recovered through diplomatic means, emphasizing that his administration does not support military resolutions to the ongoing dispute with the United Kingdom. During a breakfast organized by the Nueva Economía Forum, Milei reiterated that the Malvinas Islands, as they are known in Spanish, belong to Argentina, citing historical ownership dating back to Spain's initial acquisition of the territory.

He maintained that the islands were originally inhabited by Argentine people who were forcibly removed by the British. Milei also noted that the geopolitical and demographic challenges faced by the United Kingdom pose a risk to the region, though he did not elaborate on his specific concerns. The United Kingdom maintains its claim to the islands, with 99.8% of Falkland Islanders voting in a 2013 referendum to remain a British overseas territory.

Milei's comments come as Argentina requests the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea to halt the Sea Lion oil project, a request the UK has accepted to participate in. Meanwhile, Milei's proposed sovereignty bill, which would further tighten sanctions against the UK, remains pending in Argentina's Chamber of Deputies. At the same event, Milei expressed his support for trade alliances with the United States and Israel while advocating for increased trade with China, questioning why Argentina should not engage in similar economic partnerships.