Chile and Bolivia seek new era of bilateral integration

Chilean Foreign Minister Francisco Pérez Mackenna and Bolivian Foreign Minister Héctor Huanca Gutiérrez have expressed a shared commitment to advancing a broad bilateral agenda between their nations, despite long-standing historical disputes.

Following a recent official visit to La Paz by Chilean President José Antonio Kast, both ministers emphasized the need for cooperation based on mutual respect and shared development. The proposed agenda includes modernizing the Economic Complementation Agreement No. 22 (ACE 22) to expand trade, exploring electrical interconnection, and potential fiber optic connectivity via the Humboldt submarine cable.

Other key points of discussion involve mining cooperation, consular and migratory coordination, and the reversal of the Sica Sica-Arica oil pipeline. While the Bolivian Foreign Minister noted that this new approach allows for cooperation without requiring the immediate resolution of all pending controversies—such as Bolivia's maritime claim—he stressed that the relationship must be built on legal respect and sustained political will.