Argentina asks to join Nato as President Milei seeks a more prominent role for his nation
- Nato partner bid comes as Argentina eyes stronger ties with the United States and European allies
- Argentina is purchasing 24 US-made F-16 fighter jets from Denmark, a deal backed by Washington
Argentina formally requested to join Nato as a global partner, a status that would clear the way for greater political and security cooperation at a time when the right-wing government of President Javier Milei aims to boost ties with Western powers and attract investment.
The request came on Thursday as Nato’s Deputy General Secretary Mircea Geoana held talks in Brussels on regional security challenges with visiting Argentine Defence Minister Luis Petri.
Geoana said he welcomed Argentina’s bid to become an accredited partner in the alliance – a valued role short of “ally” for nations that are not in Nato’s geographical area and not required to take part in collective military actions.
Nato membership is currently limited to countries of Europe, Turkey, Canada and the United States.
The designation could allow Argentina access to advanced technology, security systems and training not previously available to it, the Argentine presidency said.