Britain ‘is in talks over lifting Falklands-era weapons ban that will enable Argentina to purchase navy expertise’
Argentina is in talks with Britain to lift an effective blanket ban on Western arms sales – with the president insisting the Falklands will soon return to his country through ‘diplomatic means’.
Javier Milei said negotiations are underway to overhaul restrictions that have held his military back since the 1980s.
Under UK export rules any weapon with British components cannot be sold to Argentina if it ‘enhances’ its armed forces.
But Mr Milei suggested that is set to change as conversations have ‘absolutely’ begun on relaxing the British veto, The Telegraph reports.
Mr Milei is also reportedly set to become the first Argentinian president to visit Britain since 1998.
He is said to have expressed a desire to meet with Sir Keir Starmer – as well as opposition leaders, including Nigel Farage.
Sir Keir was also offered an invitation to Buenos Aires for an official visit.
Mr Milei said on the Falklands: ‘Since I consider that the solution is to be sought through peaceful and diplomatic solutions, I think that the best way to show the willingness on the part of Argentina is to show that we also have a commercially adult relationship.’
Javier Milei (pictured) said negotiations are underway to overhaul restrictions that have held his military back since the 1980s
The US has also played a part in mediating defence discussions between Britain and Argentina
He said negotiations over lifting the weapons ban had been delegated to his defence minister.
Under current British government policy the UK must ‘refuse licences for export and trade of goods judged to enhance Argentine military capability’.
However relations between the two countries have steadily improved since Mr Milei took power in light of his Libertarian economic approach.
The US has also played a part in mediating defence discussions between Britain and Argentina.
Mr Milei did not rule out a full military alliance with Britain but noted it ‘depends on the enemy’.
An Argentinian official close to the talks admitted the country’s military was in ‘really bad shape’ due to the weapons ban.
Mr Milei told the Telegraph giving up or relinquishing territory was out of the question but that residents of the Falklands would ‘vote with their feet’.
A UK Government spokesman said: ‘Sovereignty of the Falkland Islands is not up for negotiation, and we will defend its right of self-determination.
‘In 2013, the islanders held a referendum on their future, with an overwhelming majority choosing to remain part of the UK.
‘There are no specific talks with Argentina about the UK relaxing its arms export controls.
‘More broadly, we look forward to deepening our co-operation with Argentina across areas including trade, science and culture to deliver growth for the British people.’
