STORY: Argentine President Javier Milei on Wednesday (September 24) doubled down on his government’s new policy direction during a speech at the United Nations, stating that "the only way to do this is to do the opposite of what was done in the past."

"I want to make it clear that Argentina today has a government that has decided to take the right path, even if it is the most difficult one, because the prosperity and progress of our people cannot be postponed any longer," said the leader from the stand.

The comments come after U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Wednesday in a post on X that the U.S. is currently in negotiations for a $20 billion swap line with Argentina's central bank and stands ready to do what is needed to support the South American country.

Argentina votes on October 26 for legislative midterm elections, in which President Javier Milei's right-wing party aims to gain seats to strengthen its minority position.

Argentine assets rose sharply on Wednesday after Bessent provided details on his previous pledge to support Latin America's third-largest economy and Milei, a close ally of President Donald Trump.

During his address, Milei reiterated Argentina's sovereignty claim over the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, South Sandwich Islands, and surrounding maritime areas, inviting the United Kingdom to resume bilateral negotiations over the matter. He also called for the immediate release of hostages held in Gaza.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

VIDEO SHOWS: ARGENTINE PRESIDENT, JAVIER MILEI, WALKING TOWARDS LECTERN AT UNITED NATIONS ASSEMBLY / SOUNDBITES FROM MILEI

RESENDING WITH COMPLETE SCRIPT

SHOWS: UNITED NATIONS (SEPTEMBER 24, 2025) (UNTV - Access all)

1. ARGENTINE PRESIDENT, JAVIER MILEI, WALKING TOWARDS LECTERN

2. (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) ARGENTINE PRESIDENT JAVIER MILEI SAYING [SOUNDBITE ENDS OVER SHOT OF ARGENTINA'S DELEGATION]:

"Over the last year and a half, we have had the enormous task of managing extreme scarcity. And today, for the first time in decades, we are doing what needs to be done to ensure a better future. The only way to do this is to do the opposite of what was done in the past. This is opposed by the rest of the political establishment, which demands that we do the same thing they did and which also dragged us into decline: mortgaging the future to satisfy present demands. They want us to apply what they did a thousand times and brought us here, but I want to make it clear that Argentina today has a government that has decided to take the right path, even if it is the most difficult one, because the prosperity and progress of our people cannot be postponed any longer."

3. (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) ARGENTINE PRESIDENT JAVIER MILEI SAYING [SOUNDBITE ENDS OVER SHOT OF UNITED KINGDOM'S DELEGATION]:

“I would like to reiterate our legitimate and unwavering claim to sovereignty over the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, South Sandwich Islands, and the surrounding maritime areas, which remain illegally occupied. Despite the eighty years that have passed since the creation of this organization, colonial situations such as these remain unresolved, and we therefore invite the United Kingdom to resume bilateral negotiations in accordance with resolution 2065 of this same General Assembly, together with all subsequent resolutions accompanying it.”

4. (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) ARGENTINE PRESIDENT JAVIER MILEI SAYING:

“Finally, we reiterate our demand for the immediate release of the hostages who remain captive in Gaza. Finally: may God bless the free world, may the strength of heaven be with us. Thank you all very much.”

5. DELEGATES CLAPPING