Javier Milei began a new international tour with a first stop in Rome, where he held a high-level meeting with the President of the Council of Ministers of Italy, Giorgia Meloni. The official reason was the signing of a memorandum of understanding between YPF and the state oil company ENI, with a view to exporting liquefied natural gas from Vaca Muerta. However, beyond the terms of the agreement, the images of the meeting between both leaders drew attention due to their closeness, cordial gestures, and an evident ideological affinity.
The ceremony took place at the Chigi Palace, headquarters of the Italian Executive, where ENI's CEO, Claudio Descalzi, and YPF's chairman, Horacio Marín, also participated. In the presence of Meloni and Milei, a commitment was sealed that promises to transform the energy relationship between Argentina and Italy. After the signing, both leaders shared a private dinner where, according to reports, they discussed the next steps of the project and the geopolitical vision they share in greater depth.
The agreement represents a concrete step in the third stage of the "Argentina LNG" plan, which seeks to position the country as one of the world's leading exporters of liquefied gas. An investment of US$100 billion is planned over the next 20 years, and the final investment decision (FID) is expected to be reached in December of this year. By then, the installation of two floating liquefaction units is projected on the coast of Río Negro, with a total capacity of 12 million tons per year, intended for export.
