Brazil has downgraded its diplomatic relations with Argentina to the charge d'affaires level following a series of critical remarks by Argentinian President Javier Milei, Brazilian media reported on Tuesday, citing Foreign Ministry sources.
According to Brazilian newspaper O Globo, the Brazilian Foreign Ministry formally notified Argentina's ambassador in Brasilia, Daniel Raimondi, of the decision in writing after Milei publicly criticised President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and other Brazilian officials in recent weeks.
The report said the move makes it unlikely Raimondi will remain in Brazil, although it does not amount to a formal expulsion.
Brazil has also recalled its ambassador to Buenos Aires, Julio Bitelli, for consultations.
According to O Globo, Bitelli is not expected to return to Argentina until the diplomatic dispute is resolved.
While Brazil has not severed diplomatic ties or closed its embassy in Buenos Aires, the downgrade marks one of its strongest diplomatic responses to Milei's administration to date.
In a statement cited by Argentinian newspaper La Nacion, Argentina's Foreign Ministry expressed regret over Brazil's decision.
It accused Brazil of choosing "to continue isolating itself from the rest of the region for purely ideological reasons."
