Amid tensions between the two countries over statements made by Argentine President Javier Milei and his Chilean counterpart Gabriel Boric, Chilean Foreign Minister Alberto Van Klaveren confirmed yesterday that a Chilean military helicopter had entered Argentine airspace without authorization.
This was denounced by the Argentine government in an official note. The situation was addressed in a meeting held at the La Moneda Palace between the foreign minister, the president of Chile and the Chilean ambassador to Argentina, José Viera Gallo , where the incident and the state of bilateral relations between the two countries were discussed.
Van Klaveren explained that the chargé d'affaires of the Chilean embassy in Buenos Aires met with representatives of the Argentine Foreign Ministry to deliver an official response note, in which Chile acknowledged the error. He confirmed that the Argentine government sent a consultation note on this matter, to which "a response has been given," according to the Chilean television channel T13.
"An hour ago, the chargé d'affaires of our embassy in Buenos Aires met with his counterparts from the South American Directorate of the Argentine Foreign Ministry and delivered the response note," said the minister.
“Basically what the response note says is that “Indeed, a mistake was made , ” he admitted.
Border sector of the province of Santa Cruz, where the Chilean helicopter illegally entered Argentine territory.
“There was indeed an unauthorized overflight of Argentine airspace. It was an extremely brief overflight, according to what we were informed by the Army and the Ministry of Defense, and this error did indeed occur,” he added .
The minister put the matter into context by pointing out that both countries share one of the longest borders in the world, almost 5,000 kilometres long, which can give rise to situations of this kind. He also recalled a previous incident in which Argentina built panels on Chilean territory by mistake, stressing that cooperation and dialogue are essential to resolve these differences. He also highlighted the existence of mutual trust protocols, in force for years, designed to handle similar situations and guarantee stability in bilateral relations.
“The important thing is to acknowledge these errors and prevent them from happening in the future, and for this reason, Argentina has had a protocol of mutual trust measures in place for many years, which is obviously applicable to situations like this.”
The foreign minister also gave an account of the meeting with Boric. “Obviously we reviewed relations with Argentina. As we always underline the importance of relations with Argentina, we analysed the latest episodes that have occurred at a bilateral level and the truth is that we have the greatest interest in maintaining the normality of this relationship, without prejudice obviously to responding, as we have said, to some statements that have arisen in the Argentine case.”
On this point, he indicated that Boris asked them to "remain committed to normality in the relationship with Argentina and to overcome these episodes and these differences that have occurred."
Gabriel Boric made a post on the social network X where he reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining healthy bilateral relations between both countries. “I said it and I repeat it, Chile's international relations are a State policy, beyond the affinities of the rulers in power,” he wrote.
I met with Foreign Minister Alberto Van Klaveren and the ambassador to Argentina, José Antonio Viera Gallo, to review our relations with our neighboring country in its multiple dimensions. I said it and I repeat it, Chile's international relations are a policy… pic.twitter.com/fugjejG9XZ
Although direct contact has not been established between Presidents Gabriel Boric and Javier Milei, Van Klaveren noted that the relationship between the nations transcends specific incidents. He highlighted the multiple levels of interaction, including cooperation between provinces and regions, trade exchange, and the annual border crossing of millions of people.
The Chilean ambassador to Argentina, José Viera Gallo , added that during the first year of Javier Milei 's government, relations have remained within a framework of normality, driven by events such as the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Treaty of Peace and Friendship. He stressed the importance of the energy, cultural and human ties between both countries, describing them as a central element for the stability of the relationship.
Finally, Minister Van Klaveren reiterated that, although mistakes can occur, Chile is committed to moving towards a solid and respectful relationship with Argentina, based on the recognition of common interests and the peaceful resolution of differences.
Tensions between Chile and Argentina erupted last week after Argentine Economy Minister Luis Caputo called Boric a “ communist” and warned that he would “sink the country.” At the time, Chile delivered a note of protest to the Argentine ambassador, although Milei backed his minister’s statements.
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