US President Donald Trump’s nominee to be a ambassador to Argentina, Peter Lamelas, said that if his appointment is approved by the US Senate – part of the US Rite – will seek to limit the presence of authoritarian regimes such as “China, Iran, Nicaragua and Venezuela” in Latin America.
“If confirmed, I will remain firm against the evil influence of adversary powers in the region, whether ambitious actors or authoritarian regimes such as Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua, China, Iran and others who seek to undermine democratic values. I believe our relationship between the United States and Argentina will be a brilliant example for the rest of Latin America,” Lamelas said on Tuesday (22). INFOBAE.
In his speech, Lamelas said the United States is closely monitoring China’s influence in Latin America, especially in strategic sectors such as energy, technology and mineral resources.
He also pointed out that one of his functions as an ambassador will be to combat the presence of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), ensuring that investments and economic practices mainly benefit American companies, limiting alliances with countries that do not share western principles.
Lamelas highlighted the role of Argentina in Latin America and praised the country’s president, Javier Milei.
“A strong, stable and prosperous Argentina not only benefits its own citizens, but it also improves regional, economic and political stability,” he said.
Milei sees a vital role in Washington and has the geopolitical reference the United States and Israel. Even having a good relationship with President Donald Trump, these days, the Argentine communication channel with the White House is through Santiago Caputo, advisor to the Argentine agent.
Lamelas talked about “creating opportunities for American companies” and “cooperating in security, fighting corruption and promoting a favorable climate for American business investment is critical.”
“I will work to strengthen regional security, police cooperation and intelligence sharing to combat drug trafficking and transnational crimes,” he projected.
Regarding the tariffs imposed by the US government to South American countries, Lamelas said little can influence.
“I have very little to do with tariffs. But what I could do is reduce the non -tariff trade barriers that exist today: VAT, exchange rates, port delays. Therefore, all these efforts I have outlined – that will improve relationships between the United States and Argentina and gradually expel China,” said the nominee.
The future ambassador made a point of saying that Trump asked him “to work with his friend Javier to build an even stronger relationship between our two countries.”
“Together we will achieve unprecedented grandeur,” he added, noting that the United States “can learn a lot from Milei” and his work “to take his country forward.”
When asked by one of the senators about the Falkland islands, he emphasized that “the United States does not recognize sovereignty on the islands, either Argentina or Britain.”
“We recognize the administration of the British people on the islands, but we maintain a position of neutrality in relation to the islands,” he said.
Peter Lamelas is a Cuban doctor who has lived in the United States since his childhood. At first glance, his appointment was a surprising decision, because he had no diplomatic formation or prior foreign policy experience, although he has ties with the Republican party.
