The last session of the Southern Integration Committee , held during the last days of May, left several new developments and some controversy regarding the relations between the Patagonian regions of Argentina and Chile.
Among the agreements are the opening of Tierra del Fuego Argentina to different tourist activities from Chile in the extreme south, the unification of controls at border crossings and security cooperation against smuggling.
The note of controversy , as we have already reported in other articles in Agenda Malvinas, had to do with the absence of five Chilean councilors who described as “not very transparent” an agreement already approved in the previous meeting in favor of the Argentine sovereignty of the Malvina Islands.
At the meeting held on May 28 and 29, 2024 in Punta Arenas, Chile , from the Argentine province of Tierra del Fuego, Antarctica and South Atlantic Islands, it was agreed to facilitate the transit of Chilean tourist boats, from Puerto Navarino to Ushuaia . This is a fact described as unprecedented in the matter.
For example, the Regional Governor of Magallanes and Chilean Antarctica, Jorge Flies , pointed out that “this is the first time it has happened,” and added that “they committed to asking the Congress of their country to modify the law that governs this matter.” , which is very important.”
On the other hand, the political representatives of both countries agreed to move towards the formation of integrated customs at the Monte Aymond and San Sebastián border crossings. In addition, it was decided to open the Bellavista pass in Tierra del Fuego starting in the second half of September.
Regarding security and police cooperation, the joint operation carried out last year to disrupt a smuggling network in Puerto Natales was recognized, and in terms of Health and Science, the possibility of carrying out a joint scientific expedition in the southern zone was raised.
The secretary of the Malvinas, Antarctica, South Atlantic Islands and International Affairs of the Province , Andrés Dachary, referred to the border policy, since since August 30, as was done before the pandemic, the Monte border crossing Aymond (Santa Cruz), will begin to operate integrated between Argentine and Chilean officials.
Dachary pointed out that “Radman alternatives, those who are not so used to this route, clearly we have two alternatives for private expenses, for transporters we recommend San Sebastián”, taking into account that service in San Sebastián is from 6 a.m. to midnight.
“The idea is to have the Southern Integration in the same building, which reduces operations by 50%, as happened before the pandemic. The idea is to have both steps with this logic,” the official explained.
The next meeting of the Committee, the 30th session of this binational meeting, will be this Friday, June 7 , and the aim is to advance the aspects already discussed.
