Milei meets with Macron to seek agreements on mining and nuclear energy.

After visiting Spain and Italy, Argentine President Javier Milei arrived in France and met with the local leader, Emmanuel Macron, this Monday. The dialogue between the presidents focused on collaboration in the extraction of critical minerals and the development of nuclear energy, as well as advancements in the postponed trade agreement between Mercosur and the European Union. The meeting took place in Nice, under a contradictory context for Milei: it was during the United Nations conference on the oceans. For Milei, the UN is a “multitheaded leviathan” imposing a socialist agenda, and global warming is, in his view, “another lie of socialism.”

Milei’s usual tirades against what he considers socialism were heard this Sunday at the Madrid Economic Forum, shortly before his departure for France, where he stayed for only a few hours. He arrived in Israel on the same Monday.

On the French Riviera, by the Mediterranean Sea, the Argentine president shared a long and warm embrace with Macron at the beginning of the summit dedicated to marine preservation. Invited by Macron, Milei participated during the debates but remained silent. His position directly opposes that of his host. In fact, the French president questioned climate change deniers and stated that the impact of human activity on biodiversity “is not an opinion but is scientifically proven.”

The third bilateral meeting between the two leaders in a year, also attended by Karina Milei, Secretary General of the Argentine Presidency, took place later during a break from the conference. According to information released by the ultra-government, Macron thanked Milei for his presence at the summit and praised the positive evolution of the Argentine economy. For his part, Milei, who gifted Macron books by Spanish economist Jesús Huerta de Soto, expressed gratitude for French support at international organizations, such as the International Monetary Fund, which approved a new multibillion-dollar rescue for the South American country.

During the hour-long meeting, they discussed the possibility of accelerating and deepening French investments for the extraction of lithium, copper, and other minerals in Argentine territory. Both governments are preparing an alliance to promote this mining exploitation. Along with incentive for investment, they aim to develop scientific coordination in resource detection. Additionally, both Milei and Macron expressed interest in collaborating on nuclear energy development. The Casa Rosada hopes to have France as a strategic partner for its Nuclear Plan, presented last December.

Negotiations for a commercial agreement between the regional blocs of South America and Europe were another key topic of the meeting. After years of discussions and obstacles, the current international scenario, fractured by Donald Trump’s tariff policies from the United States, seems to be steering consensus between Mercosur and the European Union, aiming to create a framework of stability. Even leaders like Milei and Macron, who were previously resistant, are now inclined to finalize the agreement. A general treaty was signed in December, and expectations are now focused on bridging the remaining differences by the end of this year.

Milei’s tour will continue this Tuesday in Israel, showcasing his strong geopolitical support for Benjamin Netanyahu’s government. His three-day agenda includes a meeting with the prime minister, a visit to the Western Wall, a meeting with families of Argentines kidnapped by Hamas, and a speech before lawmakers in the Knesset, the local parliament, among other activities. He also plans to participate in a customary aspect of his trips: receiving awards. In Israel, he will be honored with the Genesis Prize. Another distinction is scheduled for Thursday, upon his return to Spain, when the Club de los Viernes will grant him the School of Salamanca Award. Milei plans to return to Argentina on Saturday after a 10-day international journey.