Chile and Venezuela formalize consular relations restart

Chile and Venezuela have formally re-established their consular relations, marking a significant step toward normalizing bilateral ties after a rupture in 2024. The break occurred when the administration of former Chilean President Gabriel Boric questioned the transparency of Venezuelan elections.

The formalization took place in Caracas through an exchange of diplomatic notes between Hernán Núñez, Chile's Director General of Consular Affairs, Immigration, and Chileans Abroad, and Mauricio Rodríguez, Venezuela's Vice Minister for Latin America. Chilean Foreign Minister Francisco Pérez Mackenna hailed the event as a milestone that will ensure protection and services for citizens of both countries and initiate a new phase of constructive dialogue.

Chilean President José Antonio Kast emphasized the importance of restoring relations with Venezuela for his campaign promise to expel irregular immigrants. Local reports indicate over 75,000 expulsion orders are pending in Chile, with more than half targeting Venezuelan citizens. The previous diplomatic rupture led to the withdrawal of Venezuelan diplomatic staff from Chile and the expulsion of Chilean officials from Caracas under the former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro.

The severed ties significantly impacted hundreds of thousands of Venezuelan citizens residing in Chile and complicated cooperation and security efforts. Official figures show over 700,000 Venezuelans live in Chile, while approximately 25,000 Chileans reside in Venezuela. The resumption of consular services is expected to ease the situation for these communities.

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Today marks a milestone in relations between Chile and Venezuela. This will ensure protection and services for citizens of both countries and the start of a new stage, through constructive dialogue, to advance on issues we are interested in deepening, for the benefit of our peoples and the region.