Argentina–Syria relations

Informal ties between the countries date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries when significant waves of Syrian immigrants arrived in Argentina as part of the broader Arab migration from the Ottoman Empire. These early Syrian migrants contributed to fostering closer relations between the two countries, forming a strong Syrian-Argentine community that has since played a key role in the relationship.^[4]

Argentina has traditionally maintained a neutral stance in the Middle East, focusing its diplomatic efforts on maintaining peaceful and cooperative relations with all countries in the region, including Syria.^[5][6]

Over the years, both nations have exchanged high-level visits aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation in areas such as trade, culture, and mutual assistance.^[7]

Diplomatic relations between Argentina and Syria were officially established on 23 November 1945.^[8]

Since the outbreak of the Syrian Civil War in 2011, Argentina has called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict through diplomatic means. While Argentina has not been directly involved in the conflict, it has expressed concern over the humanitarian situation in Syria and supported international efforts for a ceasefire and dialogue between the warring factions.^[9]

In May 2016, Argentine Foreign Minister Susana Malcorra paid a visit to Lebanon. During her visit, she met with various local organizations assisting refugees affected by the Syrian Civil War and visited a Syrian refugee camp close to the Lebanese-Syrian border. After that, the Argentine government implemented a humanitarian visa program aimed at providing refuge for Syrians affected by the war, allowing Syrian families to seek asylum in Argentina.^[10]

One of the most significant aspects of Argentina–Syria relations is the cultural and social connection facilitated by the Syrian diaspora in Argentina. The Syrian-Lebanese community in Argentina is one of the largest in Latin America, with over 3.5 million people of Syrian or Lebanese descent. This community has played an influential role in Argentine society, with notable figures in politics, business, and the arts.^[4][11]

Several cultural and social organizations in Argentina aim to preserve and promote Syrian culture, including the Club Sirio-Libanés in Buenos Aires, which regularly organizes cultural events, lectures, and celebrations.^[12]

In 2010, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad visited Argentina and met then President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner in Buenos Aires.^[13]

Trade between Argentina and Syria is very low. Between June 2024 and June 2025 the exports of Syria to Argentina did not show significant variations, while imports decreased by $775k (11.5%) from $6.75M to $5.97M.^[14] with a focus on agricultural products. Argentina primarily exports wheat, corn, and other grains to Syria, while Syria exports smaller quantities of textiles, olive oil, and other agricultural goods to Argentina.^[15] In November 2025, Syria exported $0 and imported $5.76M from Argentina.^[16]Trade relations have been affected by the Syrian Civil War, which caused disruptions in Syria's economic activities and imports.

• Foreign relations of Argentina
• Foreign relations of Syria
• Syrian Argentines
• Lebanese Argentines
• Jaridat ar-rabita al-wataniya as-suriya, Arabic-language newspaper published in Buenos Aires from 1929 to 1934.