In Paris, Emmanuel Macron and Javier Milei displayed a clear intention: to turn their political differences into business opportunities. Their meeting at the Élysée was accompanied by concrete announcements, including nearly 10 billion dollars in investments from TotalEnergies in Argentina.
In brief: energy, lithium, and copper are at the heart of this economic rapprochement between France and Argentina. The two presidents are looking to develop bilateral relations while not masking their disagreements on Europe, the UN, Mercosur, and the Malvinas.
Macron and Milei bet on investments in Argentina
Received at the Élysée at the end of the day, Javier Milei and his sister Karina, Secretary General of the Argentine Presidency, participated in a bilateral discussion before an exchange with businesses. Emmanuel Macron aimed to consolidate French presence in a strategic Latin American country: the economic rapprochement was therefore meant to go beyond handshakes.
TotalEnergies, the leading foreign gas producer in Argentina, announced nearly 10 billion dollars in investments over several years, in three already committed projects. This announcement gives a very concrete translation to discussions between Paris and Buenos Aires. The meeting’s report is also detailed by 20 Minutes.
Lithium and copper at the center of bilateral relations
Cooperation is not limited to hydrocarbons. Paris also wants to secure supplies of critical minerals, as China and the United States hold a major position in this strategic race. The mining group Eramet announced the submission of a request to expand its lithium site at Centenario, which could represent 350 million additional dollars.
For Argentina, these resources are an attractive argument for foreign investors. Javier Milei also highlighted the country’s reserves of lithium, copper, and uranium, as well as the growth of its mining sector. The stakes of the visit, between diplomacy and economic projects, are examined by France 24.
Energy and international trade: promises from Buenos Aires
In front of the participants at Argentina Week, accompanied by ministers, governors, and business leaders, Milei presented his country as a potential supplier of abundant energy. The supply tensions related to the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East reinforce the interest in this argument, even if investment promises alone do not guarantee a sustainable economic recovery.
International trade, however, remains a sensitive area. The Argentine president stated that European and Argentine agriculture could complement each other, while the agreement between the European Union and Mercosur raises concerns among many French farmers. The Élysée claims to defend France’s interests and maintain vigilance regarding the effects of this agreement.
Political differences still very present
The economic rapprochement does not erase disagreements. Javier Milei sharply criticizes the European Union and the UN, while Emmanuel Macron defends the role of these institutions. The question of the Malvinas also calls for caution: Paris supports a peaceful resolution of disputes and respect for international procedures.
This meeting thus illustrates a pragmatic diplomacy: working together where interests converge, without pretending to share the same convictions. For more information about Sébastien Auzière and the Macron family, visit the available information at sebastien-auziere.fr.
