South Korea and Chile have established a long-term cooperation framework in defense and maritime security, following a contract for the export of South Korean military vehicles to Chile.
Kang Yu-jeong, the chief spokesperson for the Blue House, announced on July 30 (local time) that President Lee Jae-myung and Chilean President José Antonio Kast held a summit at the Moneda Palace in Santiago, welcoming the signing of the military vehicle export agreement and agreeing to continue discussions among relevant agencies.
The two leaders expressed their commitment to establishing a mutually beneficial cooperation framework that extends beyond mere equipment trade to include maritime security and shipbuilding.
President Lee began his official schedule by laying a wreath at the statue of Bernardo O'Higgins, a founding hero and the first leader of Chile, alongside his wife, Kim Hye-kyung. He then attended an official welcome ceremony at the Constitutional Plaza before engaging in the summit with President Kast.
This visit marks the first by a South Korean president in 11 years, and both leaders agreed to reactivate high-level exchanges and intergovernmental consultative bodies. This initiative aims to inject new momentum into the strategic partnership established during the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2022.
President Kast praised South Korea for its rapid economic growth, attributing it to its excellent human resources and industrial capabilities. He expressed hope for expanded cooperation with South Korea in Chile's digital transformation and future industry development.
The two nations will also strengthen cooperation between their police and maritime police authorities. They agreed to jointly address organized crime and transnational crime, sharing information and experiences in eradicating illegal maritime activities and conducting search and rescue operations.
The memorandum of understanding (MOU) on security cooperation signed during the summit includes provisions for protecting overseas citizens, exchanging criminal information, conducting joint operations, enhancing the apprehension and extradition of fugitives, and sharing South Korean policing systems.
Through the MOU on maritime safety and security cooperation, the two countries will establish a framework for collaboration and information sharing in combating maritime crimes, including illegal fishing and vessel traffic control. The government aims to enhance maritime surveillance and law enforcement capabilities in the Pacific region through these efforts.
The participation of South Korean companies in Chile's infrastructure projects will also be expanded. President Lee requested the Chilean government’s support for the smooth completion of the Chacao Bridge, the longest four-lane suspension bridge in Latin America, which is being constructed by a consortium led by Hyundai Engineering & Construction.
President Lee expressed hope that South Korean companies would continue to contribute to the development of Chile's infrastructure, including water resources and transportation. President Kast acknowledged South Korea's industrial and technological capabilities and agreed on the need for expanded cooperation.
New areas of collaboration in artificial intelligence (AI) and science and technology were also proposed. The two leaders agreed to share policies and experiences related to AI and identify collaborative projects applicable in industrial settings.
Cooperation in astronomy and Antarctic research, currently underway in Chile's Atacama Desert, will also be expanded. The plan is to broaden the scope of joint research by combining Chile's research infrastructure with South Korea's scientific and technological capabilities.
President Lee expressed gratitude for Chile's support of South Korea's Antarctic research activities since the establishment of the King Sejong Station and requested continued attention and cooperation to ensure the safety of researchers.
The two leaders also agreed to closely cooperate for the success of the 2028 Fourth United Nations Ocean Conference, which will be co-hosted by South Korea and Chile. This conference aims to advance international ocean governance, focusing on marine environmental conservation and sustainable use of resources.
Trade, investment, and cooperation in critical mineral supply chains were also key topics during the summit. The leaders agreed to reactivate the Korea-Chile Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Free Trade Committee for the first time in a decade, expanding economic cooperation beyond goods trade to include investment and advanced industries.
Based on the MOU on mineral resource partnership, the existing intergovernmental consultative body will be elevated to a ministerial level and formalized, with an emphasis on information exchange, technological cooperation, and personnel exchanges regarding critical minerals such as copper and lithium.
The two leaders will promote cultural and human exchanges, including K-pop, K-dramas, K-beauty, and K-food, while also increasing interest in Chilean wine, natural environment, and literature in South Korea. President Lee requested support for the safety and stable living conditions of the Korean community in Chile.
Kang, the chief spokesperson, noted that President Lee invited President Kast to visit South Korea at a mutually convenient time, to which President Kast responded that he looks forward to continuing discussions on the development of bilateral relations during his visit.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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