The president of Chile, José Antonio Kast, stated that the Andean country’s relationship with Brazil “transcends any ideological differences”.
By wearing a brooch with the Brazilian flag, Kast said the symbolic gesture reflected interest in the countries’ well-being.
“That’s why I proudly display the Brazilian flag today, because I can also hand over the Chilean flag to President Lula, reflecting what interests us: that both nations prosper, that Latin America prospers, and that this transcends any political or ideological differences we may have.”
“Beyond any ideological differences that may exist when someone runs for public office, it is different when representing a country, and each person is based in their own country and seeks the best for their compatriots,” added the Chilean leader.
Kast met with Lula for the first time in Panama this Tuesday (27), where the Brazilian leader is fulfilling an official agenda at the Economic Forum and is expected to receive the highest honor granted by the country, the Order Manuel Amador Guerrero.
According to the Chilean president, the bilateral meeting with Lula had a pragmatic character and was marked by a focus on common interests between the two countries, regardless of the differences between political ideals.
He stated that the meeting was attended by ministers and that teams from both governments exchanged contacts to continue the conversations.
“It was a very good, bilateral meeting, where we met with ministers and we will continue to have new meetings. The teams exchanged contacts to continue talking about the topics that interest us together”, Kast told journalists after the meeting.
Regional integration
According to Kast, one of the main points of the conversation was regional integration, especially through logistics corridors.
He cited bioceanic corridors as advanced projects that can expand trade and attract investment, involving other countries in the region.
“There are very advanced projects, such as bioceanic corridors, which will enhance commercial relations,” he stated.
Renewable energy
The energy area was also among the topics covered. According to Kast, there was an exchange of information about renewable energy and possibilities for energy integration between the countries.
The Chilean president also mentioned discussions on tourism and technology, areas that, according to him, have the potential to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
Public safety
Public safety was also on the meeting’s agenda. Kast once again defended the need for joint actions to combat organized crime, which he classified as a regional threat.
“Organized crime is a threat to many nations and this needs to be faced together,” he said.
He added that the conversation reinforced the idea of regional cooperation aimed at improving the population’s quality of life.
“What moves us is to improve the lives of our compatriots,” said Kast.
The Chilean president also stated that the relationship between Brazil and Chile must be treated as a State relationship. When asked by journalists whether the issue was discussed during the meeting, Kast did not respond and ended the press conference.
