Venezuela and Chile agree to normalize relations after two-year rupture

Venezuela and Chile are set to normalize diplomatic relations after a two-year freeze, with Venezuelan officials calling for a renewed agenda of friendship and cooperation. Delcy Rodríguez, Venezuela's acting president, urged Chilean President José Antonio Kast to "march together" on a common path of cooperation and amity.

“

You (Kast) also have a good Venezuelan who is in charge of international relations to march together. Thus, our South American countries march together on a common agenda, on an agenda of cooperation, on an agenda of friendship.

This agreement follows Chile's announcement of reactivating consular relations, marking a "new stage" aimed at the "progressive normalization" of ties. The relationship had fractured in 2024 when the administration of former Chilean President Gabriel Boric questioned the transparency of Venezuelan elections.

Chilean President Kast stated that this new phase will enable progress on significant challenges in security, migration, and economic development. He also acknowledged the methodical work of diplomatic teams and Rodríguez's willingness to advance joint efforts.

“

This stage will allow progress on tremendous challenges in security, migration, and economic development.

Kast has repeatedly emphasized that restoring relations with Venezuela is crucial for his campaign promise to expel irregular immigrants via flights to Caracas. Local reports indicate over 75,000 expulsion orders are pending, with more than half targeting Venezuelan citizens. The breakdown in relations had led to the withdrawal of diplomatic personnel and complicated cooperation mechanisms between the two nations, impacting hundreds of thousands of Venezuelan citizens residing in Chile and tens of thousands of Chileans in Venezuela.

“

The restoration of relations with Venezuela is essential for his plan to expel irregular immigrants on flights to Caracas.