Kast's firm message from Punta Arenas
Chilean President José Antonio Kast declared that the Strait of Magallanes "is Chilean" during a visit to Punta Arenas, directly responding to recent statements by Argentine Air Force Chief Gustavo Javier Valverde, who had suggested the need to "make presence" in the area. Kast framed his trip as "a way of making homeland, making sovereignty," while acknowledging differing positions between the two governments.[S1][S2][S3]
The Chilean leader also appreciated the apologies offered by Argentine Defense Minister Carlos Presti, which helped lower the tone of the controversy. The episode had sparked strong reactions across Chile's political spectrum, with leaders rejecting Valverde's remarks as questioning Chilean sovereignty over the strait.[S1][S3][S4]
Treaties underpin Chile's claim
Chile's sovereignty over the strait is rooted in the 1881 Boundary Treaty, which also established its permanent neutrality and free navigation for all nations, including British vessels—a point historically sensitive for Argentina. The 1984 Treaty of Peace and Friendship, mediated by Pope John Paul II after tensions between the two dictatorships, reaffirmed Chile's absolute sovereignty over the passage.[S2][S3][S4]
The Argentine government moved to defuse the situation. Chancellor Pablo Quirno issued a statement recognizing Chilean sovereignty over the strait, while defense ministers Presti and Fernando Barrios held a direct conversation. Chilean media report that Kast's government is now demanding Argentina formally modify decree 457 of 2021, which describes the strait as a "shared space," a term Santiago considers contradictory.[S1][S3][S4]
Milei's agenda in Santiago
President Javier Milei is scheduled to travel to Chile on Thursday, speaking at the Madrid Forum organized by the Disenso Foundation, linked to Spain's Vox party, at the San Carlos de Apoquindo center. He will then hold meetings with U.S. Under Secretary of State Sarah Rogers and with Kast at La Moneda Palace, marking their fourth encounter in less than a year.[S1][S2][S4]
The bilateral agenda focuses on security, migration, and international policy, offering an opportunity to align positions despite the recent friction. Kast's visit to Punta Arenas also included participation in a housing program activity with Interior Minister Claudio Alvarado and Housing Minister Iván Poduje.[S1][S4]
