German Chancellor Meets with Argentina's President

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz met with Argentine President Javier Milei in Berlin for a one-hour working meeting discussing renewable energy, the EU-Mercosur free trade deal, and Argentina's OECD membership bid. Scholz emphasized the importance of social compatibility in Milei's economic reforms. Despite protests and controversy due to Milei's political stance, they agreed on the need for swift EU-Mercosur trade negotiations and condemned Russia's actions in Ukraine. The meeting, shorter than usual, omitted military honors and a press conference, aligning with Milei's request for a condensed format. The encounter highlighted differences in ideologies but focused on economic ties, including Argentina's raw materials like lithium crucial for Germany's energy transition.