Peter Lamelas, the United States’ new ambassador in Buenos Aires, has formally begun his mission in Argentina after delivering his diplomatic papers to President Javier Milei’s government.
Lamelas, 66, presented his credentials to Argentina’s new Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno on Monday at the Palacio San Martín, completing the formalities of his appointment.
“Welcome, Ambassador Peter Lamelas! It is an honour to receive you during a period of maximum bilateral engagement, driven by Presidents Javier Milei and Donald Trump,” Argentina’s Foreign Ministry said in a post on social media.
The ambassador arrived in the Argentine capital last Friday, marking the latest step in the growing alignment between Milei’s administration and that of US President Donald Trump. His arrival follows the US Treasury’s recent activation of a US$20-billion currency swap deal, announced by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
One of the top issues in Quirno’s in-tray in dealings with Washington is the delayed announcement of a free-trade agreement. His predecessor, Gerardo Werthein, had been negotiating the deal for several months, though no concrete progress was revealed during Milei’s recent visit to the White House. Talks have reportedly included a potential reduction of tariffs on more than 50 Argentine products, but the final agreement remains pending.
Lamelas referred to the trade talks when his nomination was first proposed, saying, “We’ll have great news soon.” He has pledged to support Milei’s government and to travel across Argentina’s provinces to build closer ties with regional authorities.
The ambassador has pledged to support Milei’s government and to travel across Argentina’s provinces to establish closer ties with regional authorities.
Several US companies are said to be eyeing investments in lithium, uranium, gas, oil and hydroelectric energy, among other sectors. As the provinces retain ownership of these natural resources, direct dialogue with local governors will be essential to any future agreements.
Lamelas, who was confirmed by the US Senate in September after being nominated by Trump in March, arrives at a moment that both administrations describe as one of “maximum political and strategic alignment.” Their shared agenda centres on investment, trade, defence cooperation and geopolitical coordination.
In his first public remarks, the ambassador said his goal was “to align the interests of the United States and Argentina and strengthen the bilateral alliance,” describing this period as “a new stage of high-level relations” between Washington and Buenos Aires.
Quirno welcomed the appointment, noting that he had “received copies of the letters of credence from the new Ambassador of the United States of America to Argentina.”
Lamelas’ arrival comes just days before Milei and Trump are due to attend the America Business Forum in Miami, underlining the growing political and economic rapport between the two leaders.
Before his appointment, Lamelas built a career in the private sector, earning recognition in the healthcare industry. His business-oriented background aligns with Argentina’s new economic diplomacy, which seeks to support strategic investment in energy, infrastructure and the knowledge economy – and to attract US capital to underpin Milei’s economic agenda.
– TIMES/NA/PERFIL
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