Brazil cuts diplomatic presence in Argentina after Milei insults Lula

Brazil has downgraded its diplomatic representation in Argentina to the chargé d’affaires level and said Ambassador Julio Bitelli would not return to Buenos Aires following repeated attacks by Argentine President Javier Milei on Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Supreme Court justices.

Meanwhile, Argentina’s Foreign Secretary Pablo Quirno said Buenos Aires would not retaliate and remained open to maintaining diplomatic relations despite the deepening dispute between the two South American neighbours.