US and Argentina announce security funding as ties deepen
US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau praised close ties with Argentina during a high-level visit to Buenos Aires.
He met Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno, who said the two countries are working together against criminal groups and drug trafficking.
The United States approved $13 million for anti-drug efforts, with $7 million allocated to Argentina, Quirno said.
Argentina also signed a $10 million agreement to strengthen prosecutions for child trafficking, and $15 million will support a cybersecurity operations centre.
The funding targets security threats and protection of computer networks, including an assessment of state-owned telecom company ARSAT’s network.
The officials also discussed trade, critical minerals and Argentina’s aim of joining the US visa waiver programme, which would let Argentines travel to the United States without applying for a visa.
Quirno gave no timetable for visa-waiver membership, and Argentina’s President Javier Milei was due to meet the US delegation on Friday.
The United States and Argentina announced security funding and cooperation during a visit by US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau.
Argentina’s Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno said the United States approved US$13 million to combat drug trafficking, with US$7 million allocated to Argentina.
Argentina’s National Security Ministry signed a US$10-million agreement to strengthen efforts to prosecute people involved in child trafficking.
A further US$15 million will fund a cybersecurity operations centre and an assessment of state-owned telecommunications company ARSAT’s network.
The announcements came as officials described close ties and cooperation on security, trade and investment.
Who
The United States and Argentina, represented by US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and Argentine Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno.
What
They announced security funding and cooperation, including support for anti-drug trafficking efforts, child-trafficking prosecutions and cybersecurity.
When
Thursday, October 22, 2026.
Where
At a joint press conference after a meeting at San Martín Palace in Buenos Aires.
Why
To cooperate against criminal organisations and drug-trafficking networks, strengthen prosecutions and improve cybersecurity.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Landau met Quirno at San Martín Palace, followed by a joint press conference where the security funding was announced.
President Javier Milei was due to receive the US officials at the Casa Rosada on his return from Spain.
Anti-drug trafficking funding
US$13 million approved by the US government; US$7 million allocated to Argentina
