The organization published a map in which the Malvinas Islands appear as Argentine territory
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The relationship between Argentina and United States is experiencing its best moment in decades. In a gesture marking a diplomatic milestone, United States Southern Command released an official map recognizing the Malvinas Islands as Argentine territory, moving away from the traditional British position. The event is interpreted as a sign of the strengthening of the bilateral relationship between Javier Milei's administration and Donald Trump's Republican leadership.
The signal was accompanied by a forceful message published on the official Southern Command account on X: "Argentina is a reliable security partner in promoting democratic values around the world. We congratulate Argentina's efforts to strengthen its defense relationship with the United States and applaud its commitment to defense modernization and the acquisition of F-16s and Stryker armored vehicles. This week, Argentina will host regional security leaders for key discussions during the South American Defense Conference."
Javier Milei y Alvin Holsey.
The central figure in this process is Admiral Alvin Holsey, head of Southern Command, who will return to Argentina in the coming days to participate in the South American Defense Conference (SOUTHDEC 2025). The event, which will take place in Buenos Aires under the co-sponsorship of Argentina and the United States, will bring together senior military leaders from South America and Europe with the aim of strengthening regional cooperation in the face of 21st-century security challenges.
Holsey will share the role of host with Brigadier General Xavier Isaac, Chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Among the main topics of the summit are the strengthening of maritime domain surveillance and the support of the Armed Forces in the fight against transnational criminal organizations. SOUTHDEC returns to Argentine soil after its last edition in 2018, reflecting renewed confidence from Washington in the current government.
Conferencia Sudamericana de Defensa.
The admiral's visit will last three days and includes bilateral meetings with defense authorities, including Minister Luis Petri. This won't be the first time Holsey meets with Milei: he had already done so last April 29, when he was received at the Casa Rosada by the President in a 45-minute meeting, accompanied by Petri. Back then, he also visited Ushuaia and the Tierra del Fuego Naval Base, where he spoke with the highest naval authorities.
Washington's interest in strengthening ties with Argentina is also explained by growing concern over the influence of extra-regional powers in Latin America. During the Annual Hemispheric Security Conference held in Florida a few weeks ago, Holsey was categorical: "I think about the challenges. The first thing that comes to mind are the key actors: China, Russia, Iran. I think about the organizations responsible for bringing drugs to this country, their responsibility in illegal migration. Currently, I observe instability in Haiti, Cuba, and Venezuela."
