A recent meeting between Argentine President Javier Milei and Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani during the UN General Assembly in New York has provoked strong reactions in Argentina, a country that does not recognize Kosovo’s independence.
The pro-Argentine outlet Agenda Malvinas published a critical headline: “Kosovo: Milei Opens a New Diplomatic Front That Weakens the Malvinas Cause.” The article accused the government of undermining Argentina’s long-standing claim over the Falkland/Malvinas Islands, calling the meeting a “diplomatic embarrassment.”
According to analysts and opposition figures, it was the first high-level encounter between Argentina and Kosovo. Critics argue that by engaging with Osmani, President Milei risks contradicting Argentina’s consistent stance of defending territorial integrity—the same principle it invokes in the sovereignty dispute with the United Kingdom over the Falklands.
Former Foreign Ministry official and Falklands envoy, Guillermo Carmona, condemned the gesture, calling it “extremely serious.” On X (formerly Twitter), he wrote:
“It is extremely serious that Milei allowed himself to meet with someone who claims to be president of an entity Argentina does not recognize, contradicting our position on territorial integrity in the Malvinas.”
The article also recalled that Kosovo troops were once deployed to the Falklands as part of a cooperation agreement with the UK, further intensifying sensitivities.
Despite the backlash, some sources within Argentina’s Foreign Ministry downplayed the incident, suggesting it was not a major diplomatic breach. Others speculated the move might have been influenced by Milei’s alignment with U.S. President Donald Trump, who hosted the reception where the photo with Osmani was taken.
On September 27, Osmani posted the photo on Facebook, stating:
“At President Trump’s reception in New York, alongside other world leaders – important discussions in the interest of the Republic of Kosovo and our citizens!”
The meeting has since been covered by several Argentine media outlets, all linking it to the broader debate over the Falkland/Malvinas Islands dispute, a conflict dating back to 1833 and reignited in 1982 during the war with Britain. While the UK retains control, Argentina continues to assert its claim in international forums.
