Javier Milei meets Vox leader in Madrid amid summit tensions

Argentine President Javier Milei arrived in Madrid for the 30th Ibero-American Summit, opting to skip the official opening ceremony and the subsequent gala dinner hosted by King Felipe VI. His absence from these protocol events follows reported friction with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, whom Milei has previously criticized.

Instead of participating in the summit's inaugural activities, Milei held a private meeting with Santiago Abascal, the leader of the Spanish political party Vox. Abascal, who is running for office in the upcoming Spanish elections, described Milei as a friend and ally.

Milei is scheduled to attend the plenary session of heads of state and government on Thursday. This session is expected to bring him into the same space as Prime Minister Sánchez, despite the ongoing diplomatic tension between the two leaders. Before departing, Milei is also expected to meet with Isabel Díaz Ayuso, the president of the Community of Madrid.