In Cyprus, Italy, Greece and if I remember correct Egypt has this kissing salutation. When I first came to UK that was one of the things that I didnt know if I had to do it or not. Ok we are not exactly like Argentine but we are not like British. At least I still keep that "tradition". Do you kiss when you are going to say hello and goodbye?
I believe kissing cheeks whilst shaking hands in some Mediterranean countries, is when they are very good friends or family, who have not seen each other for a while. People (in Turkey or Cyprus) do not shake hands and kiss each other every morning they turn up at work or visit the next door neighbour!
It is also practised more widely when people are going on or have returned from a travel. I personally would greet fellow men in this way after not seeing them for a long while or welcoming home some relative from abroad (and vice versa). It is a symbolic gesture of good will and wishes, hence I see it as a part and parcel of the warm blooded Mediterranean culture.
BTW, most people do not actually kiss, but kiss the void while shaking hands and holding cheeks close to one another's.
