Chile sees 'respectful' opportunity to improve Venezuela ties after quake aid

Chile views the recent earthquake aid to Venezuela as a chance to respectfully mend bilateral relations, according to Chilean Interior Undersecretary Máximo Pavez. Pavez led a mission to Venezuela, presenting Chile's USAR (Urban Search and Rescue) team to Venezuelan officials and military personnel.

Despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties, Pavez expressed hope for improved relations, noting the positive reception of the Chilean aid mission. "We are still very far from finalizing anything because the priority is the emergency, and we must be very respectful of the Venezuelan government and its authorities, but the reception has been very good," he stated.

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We have an opportunity that we want to seize very respectfully.

Relations between the two countries fractured in July 2024 when Venezuela severed ties, recalling its diplomatic staff. This move followed Chile's accusations of electoral fraud, leaving hundreds of thousands of Venezuelan migrants in Chile and Chilean citizens in Venezuela in a state of bureaucratic limbo.

The current Chilean government under José Antonio Kast has indicated a willingness to restore consular relations, particularly to address the expulsion of irregular Venezuelan migrants, a key campaign promise. President Kast recently spoke with Venezuelan interim president Delcy Rodríguez, expressing solidarity and informing her about the humanitarian and rescue aid dispatched.

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We are still very far from finalizing anything because the priority is the emergency, and we must be very respectful of the Venezuelan government and its authorities, but the reception has been very good.