The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and the Republic of Chile on the occasion of the U.S.-Chile High-Level Dialogue.
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U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt M. Campbell and Chilean Under-Secretary of Foreign Relations Gloria de la Fuente co-chaired the U.S.-Chile High-Level Dialogue (HLD) on October 2 in Washington, DC. The HLD included senior U.S. representatives from the Department of State, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Energy, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and National Security Council, as well as senior Chilean representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The U.S.-Chile relationship, which celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2023, is broad, dynamic, and constantly evolving to address 21st century opportunities and challenges. The dialogue reflected the strong partnership between Chile and the United States and built upon priorities discussed during the meeting between President Biden and President Boric on November 2, 2023, at the White House.
During the HLD, the United States and Chile reaffirmed their joint commitment to promoting democratic governance, human rights, and diversity and equity; advancing sustainable and inclusive growth; strengthening security cooperation and combatting transnational organized crime, cybercrime, and emerging threats; and deepening collaboration on environmental conservation, agriculture, trade, science, clean energy, space, technology, innovation, and disaster management.
The two countries also reiterated their commitments under the 2022 Memorandum of Understanding on diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA), pledging to hold DEIA council meetings focused on disability and gender rights.
A Prosperous Bilateral Economic Relationship
Deputy Secretary Campbell and Under-Secretary de la Fuente recognized the impact of last year's 20th anniversary of the U.S.-Chile Free Trade Agreement. They also noted the December 2023 entry into force of the Bilateral Taxation Treaty.
The two countries underscored the importance of the Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity to deepen economic integration and tackle economic inequality in partner countries across the hemisphere. President Boric's participation in the November 2023 Leaders' Summit and Chile's leadership in the space and clean hydrogen pillars of the Foreign Affairs Track demonstrate Chile's commitment to the region's long-term economic future.
The principals recognized the importance of deepening cooperation on economic and energy security, which are critical to safeguarding prosperity, shared security, and collective interests. Chile and the United States exchanged views on investment screening mechanisms and INL's ongoing support to improve port security. The U.S. and Chilean delegations exchanged views on the Minerals Security Partnership Forum and its catalyzation of public and private investment in responsible critical minerals supply chains.
The two countries underscored their shared commitment to attracting private investment through advancing international standards for infrastructure. They discussed the Blue Dot Network, a multilateral initiative that seeks to certify infrastructure projects that meet global standards for quality and sustainability, thereby providing a trusted signal to investors that projects have addressed the most common risk factors.
The Department of Energy and Ministry of Energy established an action plan to implement the Memorandum of Cooperation on Energy Transition and Energy Sector Development. Both sides welcomed the collaboration between the Department of State's Power Sector Program and Chile's Ministry of Energy to support Chile's clean hydrogen market development, including bilateral technical engagement on Chile's clean hydrogen regulatory framework. The Department of State's Power Sector Program also welcomed Chile's co-hosting of an October 15-16, 2024, regional workshop in support of the Andean Electrical Interconnection Initiative, known as SINEA, and discussed opportunities for collaboration in advance of the new Andean regional power market's operation.
Promoting Democracy and Human Rights in Latin America and the World
The United States and Chile stand together in promoting democracy and human rights in the Western Hemisphere and the world. During our discussions, our countries addressed the regional situation and shared concerns regarding the deteriorating human rights conditions and threats to democracy in several countries. Both countries expressed their concern about the situation in Venezuela, the political persecution of the opposition, and the need for a prompt solution that recognizes the sovereign will of the Venezuelan people in the recent elections and leads to a peaceful transition to full democracy.
Additionally, while both countries welcomed the Ortega-Murillo regime's release of 135 Nicaraguan political prisoners to Guatemala, they agreed to continue to insist that the Ortega-Murillo regime restore democracy, fully respect human rights, and release all remaining unjustly detained political prisoners. The delegations recognized Chile's February 2023 decision to offer citizenship to 317 Nicaraguans that the Ortega-Murillo regime declared stateless due to their political affiliations or perceived dissent from the regime.
The governments again denounced Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine and stressed full support for the international norms of sovereignty and territorial integrity. They noted continued condemnation of the terrorist attack carried out by Hamas on October 7, 2023, in Israel, and concern over the humanitarian impacts of the conflict, especially among the civilian population. They agreed to continue to call on all actors involved to make every effort to establish a durable ceasefire, release all hostages, and ensure the safety of civilians while respecting international law. Furthermore, the countries reiterated a commitment to the two-state solution, in which Palestinians and Israelis can live in peace within internationally recognized and secure borders, and condemned Iran's missile attack against Israel.
Deputy Secretary Campbell and Under-Secretary de la Fuente reaffirmed the importance of maintaining a prosperous and peaceful Asia Pacific region. They affirmed a commitment to lawful, unimpeded commerce and respect for international law, including freedom of navigation, overflight, and other lawful use of the seas. They also agreed that peace and stability in the Asia Pacific region should be considered essential for global security and prosperity.
Working Towards a Secure Region
The United States and Chile recognized the security challenges facing the region, including human trafficking, migrant smuggling, and transnational criminal organizations driving increased levels of violence. The Deputy Secretary and Under-Secretary applauded ongoing information-sharing cooperation under the Enhanced Biometric Security Partnership, which allows Chile to work with the Department of Homeland Security to screen against each other's biometric records to prevent mala fide travel - a demonstration of Chile's commitment to Visa Waiver Program requirements. In this context, both countries committed to leverage information-sharing relationships to help manage irregular migration and improve border security.
The two delegations recognized the importance of Chile participating in the Bogota-based Joint Group against Organized Crime and intend to further strengthen regional interagency security cooperation. They also discussed durable solutions to migration and security challenges, including commitments to promoting lawful migration pathways, stabilization of migrant and host communities, and other priorities in line with the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection. The United States and Chile recognized the work undertaken by IOM, UNHCR, UNICEF, and others in promoting protection and stability for refugees and vulnerable migrants and providing assistance for their host communities in Chile and the region.
The delegations lauded the September 23-27, 2024, joint interagency assessment of Chile's northern border with Bolivia and Peru, which will provide a roadmap to improve border security. The delegations recognized the need to advance cooperation and information exchanges on migration matters related to security, with an emphasis on migration and transnational organized crime in the Western Hemisphere.
Deputy Secretary Campbell and Under-Secretary de la Fuente also highlighted several upcoming joint security-focused activities, such as a scheduled visit from a high-level delegation of Chilean security officials to Washington, DC; El Paso, Texas; and San Juan, Puerto Rico in December 2024 to observe interagency task forces - part of the United States's International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). They also welcomed the September 9-13 World Customs Organization Operation TENTACLE workshop in Santiago on anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CTF). Additionally, the Department of State's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) identified multiple AML/CTF training opportunities for Chilean officials in FY25.
Embracing Progress to Address 21st Century Challenges
Chile and the United States recognized that various challenges arising in the 21st century require innovative responses to ensure the security and prosperity of both nations. Both delegations celebrated Chile's decision to sign the Artemis Accords in October, reinforcing both countries' shared interest in promoting peaceful, sustainable, and transparent cooperation in space.
The United States and Chile look forward to working jointly to ensure strong cooperation on cybersecurity and digital infrastructure. The U.S. delegation recognized the significance of the passage of Chile's new cybersecurity law and looks forward to working with the Chile's new National Cybersecurity Agency. The United States also looks forward to ongoing cooperation with Chile to promote security and stability in cyberspace through continued implementation of the UN-affirmed Framework for Responsible State Behavior in Cyberspace. Chile signaled its interest in formally joining the White House-led Counter Ransomware Initiative - the world's largest cyber partnership. In support of these initiatives, the Department of State's Bureau of Cyber and Digital Policy helped facilitate the August 1-2 training in Santiago by the MITRE Corporation on preventing, detecting, and responding to cyber intrusions and threats. Follow-on trainings are expected to take place through 2025. The United States and Chile remain committed to expanding access to fast, secure, interoperable, and reliable internet connectivity in the Pacific, as demonstrated by the Humboldt subsea cable route connecting Chile to Australia via French Polynesia.
The two countries shared in-depth discussions on Antarctica, emphasizing the importance of upholding the principles of the Antarctic Treaty, particularly as it relates to scientific cooperation and marine protected areas. The Department of State's Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Antarctica Division committed to restart bilateral talks on Antarctica matters, agreeing to hold two meetings in 2025.
Working Towards Sustainable Environmental Goals
The United States and Chile discussed working towards meeting sustainable environmental goals under the Paris Agreement to combat climate change. The delegations discussed marine biodiversity and initiatives to protect ocean habitats. They also highlighted the adverse impact of illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing on marine ecosystems. Both countries announced the April 2025 IVLP on Marine Protected Area Management, a follow-on program to the 2023 State-NOAA IVLP on marine protected areas that included California and Alaska. The program will aim to include participants from mainland Chile and Rapa Nui, in coordination with their authorities. Chile restated the offer of the Valparaiso city as the headquarters of the UN BBNJ Secretariat.
For the first time, the High-Level Dialogue included a module on development cooperation and disaster relief. The delegations also discussed regional development assistance cooperation opportunities between USAID and AGCID, Chile's development agency. Both agencies are actively discussing the implementation of joint trilateral development cooperation opportunities, including in support of Guatemala. The Deputy Secretary and Under-Secretary recalled the tragic February 2024 wildfires in the Valparaiso region, which took the lives of 137 Chileans. During talks on wildfire risk reduction, USAID's Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance announced a $400,000 commitment to the expansion of its active wildfire risk management program in Chile, which provides training and technical assistance for Chilean officials and community organizations.
After commemorating 200 years of official relations and the 20th anniversary of the U.S.-Chile Free Trade Agreement in 2023, Chile and the United States now turn their focus to the third century of the U.S.-Chile relationship. Both governments agreed to collaborate closely to develop programs, visits, and activities that showcase the breadth and depth of the U.S.-Chile partnership.
Deputy Secretary Campbell and Chilean Under-Secretary of Foreign Relations de la Fuente agreed to hold the next meeting of the High-Level Dialogue in 2026 in Santiago, Chile.
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