The president of Argentina, Javier Milei, was awarded this Friday the title of doctor honoris causa in Administration by the Universidad Santiago de Cali, during his visit to Colombia to participate in the inauguration ceremony of the elected president Abelardo de la Espriella.
The award ceremony took place at the headquarters of the Cámara de Comercio de Cali, as a preliminary activity before the Argentine president's participation in the inauguration of the new Colombian head of state.
The university justified the award by considering the changes promoted by Milei in terms of economics and public administration during his tenure.
The rector of the institution, Carlos Andrés Pérez, explained that the recognition is based on the academic, professional, and public career of the Argentine president, as well as his initiatives related to the functioning of the State and institutional modernization.
Javier Milei and Abelardo de la Espriella
“In merit of his outstanding academic, professional, and public service career, reflected in his contributions to economic analysis and in the promotion of initiatives aimed at strengthening public administration, efficiency in state management, and institutional modernization,” states the diploma awarded to Milei.
According to Pérez, this is the first time that the Universidad Santiago de Cali grants this doctorate to a sitting president. He also indicated that the ceremony was coordinated with the Argentine diplomatic representation in Colombia.
“This recognition is a symbol of rigor and strength aimed at those who have dedicated their lives to transforming through knowledge and, here in particular, from the cultural and public sphere. For this special occasion, the Universidad Santiago de Cali wishes to exalt the commitment and dedication of the president of the Argentine Republic, Doctor Javier Gerardo Milei,” expressed the rector during the event.
President Javier Milei
The words of Javier Milei
After receiving the distinction, Milei thanked the university for the recognition and highlighted the political scenario that Colombia is experiencing with the arrival of Abelardo de la Espriella to the presidency.
“Winds of history are blowing in the direction of freedom for the first time in many years. In recent months, we have seen the same phenomenon in Chile, Peru, and now we are here, where President Abelardo has also succeeded. Today it is our duty to raise the sails and navigate to bring prosperity to our peoples. Long live freedom, damn it!,” stated the Argentine president.
The awarding of the doctorate took place during an international agenda that brought Milei to Colombia, where he arrived on the night of August 6 under a security operation deployed by the National Police of Colombia.
The visit of the Argentine head of state is marked by the political bond with De la Espriella, who will assume the Colombian presidency after winning the elections and shares with Milei an agenda focused on economic freedom, state reforms, and a new political orientation for the region