President Javier Milei’s government is sending humanitarian aid to Venezuela to aid the nation after two strong earthquakes struck the nation and left at least 180 dead and hundreds injured.
Milei, who is travelling to Madrid to attend an event, put Cabinet Chief Manuel Adorni in charge of coordinating a task force to oversee the sending of rescuers to the Caribbean nation after Venezuela’s interim leader Delcy Rodríguez declared a national emergency following the earthquakes.
Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno, who was this week in New York to attend events at the United Nations, was also involved in the efforts.
The official revealed in posts on social media that he had spoken with his Venezuelan counterpart Yván Gil to express Argentina’s “solidarity and a willingness to provide humanitarian aid during these difficult times they are facing.”
“Our teams remain in contact and are coordinating their efforts,” Quirno said in a post on the X social network.
Despite longstanding tensions between Buenos Aires and Caracas, Argentina’s government swiftly expressed solidarity with Venezuelans in the aftermath of the tragedy. Relations could improve in the wake of cooperation.
In a statement, Argentina’s government said it was monitoring the situation closely.
“The Republic of Argentina deeply regrets the consequences of the seismic events recorded today, June 24, in Venezuela and expresses its solidarity with the Venezuelan people at this difficult time.
“Argentine citizens residing in that country are advised to follow the instructions of the competent local agencies regarding protection, safety, and, if applicable, evacuation.
“Likewise, Argentine citizens who have been affected by the seismic events are informed that they may contact the Foreign Ministry to report their situation through the following email addresses,” read the statement.
A second statement, issued by Milei’s Office, referenced the tense bilateral relations directly.
“The Office of the President expresses its deepest solidarity with the Venezuelan people after the strong earthquakes,” it began.
“The Republic of Argentina remains attentive to the evolution of the situation and expresses its willingness to collaborate with the humanitarian assistance it may require, in coordination with the corresponding international organisations.
“Regardless of any differences that may exist between our governments, President Javier G. Milei extends a hand of solidarity to the Venezuelan people in the wake of this natural disaster that demands a reaction from the entire international community,” read the statement issued by the Casa Rosada.
Relations between Argentina and Venezuela deteriorated when Milei took office in December 2023, replacing the pragmatic coexistence that characterised ties under previous governments with an openly confrontational stance toward then-president Nicolás Maduro.
Tensions peaked in March 2024 when Argentina granted refuge in its embassy in Caracas to six Venezuelans linked to opposition leader María Corina Machado, prompting diplomatic protests and a prolonged dispute over their status.
The relationship worsened further after Venezuela’s July 2024 presidential election, which Milei’s government refused to recognise amid allegations of fraud and a lack of electoral transparency.
Caracas responded by expelling Argentine diplomats, forcing Buenos Aires to close its mission. Since then, bilateral relations have effectively remained frozen, though Milei cheered the US-led operation that removed Maduro from power last year and installed Rodríguez, previously his deputy, as interim leader.
– TIMES/NA/PERFIL
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