The Ibero-American Summit is set to bring Argentina’s President Javier Milei and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez into the same leaders’ session Thursday, weeks after Milei’s attack on Sánchez.
The Ibero-American General Secretariat (SEGIB) says the summit runs Nov. 4-5 and convenes leaders of the 22 countries in the Ibero-American Community. EFE, citing the agenda circulated by Milei’s presidential office, reported he would attend Thursday’s plenary but skip Wednesday’s opening ceremony and royal dinner. Sánchez is also scheduled for the plenary.
At a Madrid speech on Oct. 21, Milei called Sánchez “a dictator” and urged Spaniards to “kick the Socialists out,” according to the transcript published by Argentina’s presidency. Sánchez announced Spain’s general election for Nov. 29. Spain’s Foreign Ministry condemned Milei’s remarks, saying they insulted Sánchez, Spain and its people. The ministry also rejected what it described as foreign interference and attacks on elected institutions, and condemned what it called a call to violence. EconoTimes previously reported on Spain’s response to Milei’s remarks.
The comments revived a diplomatic dispute dating to May 2024. Spain recalled its ambassador to Buenos Aires on May 19 that year after remarks by Milei during a Madrid visit, then announced the envoy’s permanent withdrawal on May 21.
EL PAÍS reported that Milei and Sánchez were not expected to hold a bilateral meeting. Published official schedules do not state whether private talks are ruled out.
SEGIB lists digital cooperation and disaster-risk reduction among the summit’s priorities. Ministers agreed Tuesday to submit a proposed Ibero-American AI alliance to summit leaders for adoption. SEGIB says participation is voluntary, and governments can contribute through public, financial or in-kind support. Leaders’ consideration of the proposal is the next step.
