Argentine President Javier Milei will not attend the upcoming G20 Summit in South Africa, a decision analysts interpret as an expression of support for American President Donald Trump, who has declared that the United States will not participate in the Johannesburg gathering.

The Argentine government confirmed that Foreign Minister Diana Mondino will represent Buenos Aires at the summit, which begins later this month. Analysts believe the decision reflects Milei’s broader shift away from traditional multilateral engagement and toward stronger ties with market-oriented and Western-aligned governments.

Milei, who assumed office in late 2023, has built his presidency around sweeping economic reform and a libertarian rejection of state control. Known for his fiery rhetoric and anti-establishment style, he has sought to reduce public spending, cut bureaucracy, and pursue the dollarisation of Argentina’s economy. His agenda and worldview have drawn frequent comparisons to Trump’s populist nationalism and anti-globalist stance.

His decision to skip the Johannesburg meeting comes at a time of increasing geopolitical tension over South Africa’s foreign policy, particularly its close relations with China, Russia, and Iran, and its high-profile legal case against Israel at the International Court of Justice. Analysts say Milei’s absence places Argentina among countries signalling disapproval of Pretoria’s diplomatic direction and reflects a wider divide within the G20 between pro-Western and non-aligned members.

While Foreign Minister Mondino’s attendance ensures Argentina will maintain its seat at the table, Milei’s absence underscores the symbolic importance of his foreign policy choices. Observers see the move as part of a deliberate effort to position Argentina alongside governments that favour free markets, Western alliances, and scepticism toward global governance institutions.