In a significant meeting at the Pentagon, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth welcomed Argentine Defense Minister Luis Petri to discuss the enduring partnership between the two nations, which has spanned over 200 years. Hegseth emphasized the importance of collaboration as both countries face shared security threats, particularly from China, which he identified as a growing concern for the United States, Argentina, and the broader region.
“Regional peace demands the utmost will and tenacity, and I think we can face these shared security challenges together, and I know we will,” Hegseth stated during the enhanced honor cordon ceremony. He praised Argentina’s recent decisions to strengthen its defense capabilities, which include the acquisition of U.S. F-16 Fighting Falcons and Stryker fighting vehicles.
The historical ties between Argentina and the U.S. were also a focal point of the discussions. Hegseth recounted significant military collaborations from the past, including the purchase of 1,000 muskets and bayonets by Argentine representatives during the War of Independence in 1811, and Argentina’s contribution of warships to coalition forces during the Gulf War.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Argentine Defense Minister Luis Petri stand for the playing of the U.S. and Argentine national anthems before a bilateral exchange at the Pentagon, July 2, 2025. © Air Force Staff Sgt. Madelyn Keech, DOD
Minister Petri referenced the 1879 Conquest of the Desert campaign, recalling Argentina’s purchase of 10,000 rifles from the United States, which played a crucial role in the country’s territorial expansion. He also touched on modern security concerns, highlighting Argentina’s commitment to the fight against international terrorism, particularly in light of the U.S. strike on Iranian nuclear sites in June 2025.
“Our relationship is at its best point, and our partnership will continue to grow in all areas of government, but fundamentally in defense,” Petri remarked, expressing optimism about the future of U.S.-Argentina relations.
The meeting underscored a mutual commitment to enhancing military cooperation and addressing security challenges together, marking a promising chapter in the longstanding alliance between the two nations.
