Remarks about the sovereignty and strategic role of the Strait of Magellan have triggered a diplomatic protest process between Chile and Argentina. Chile will send an official protest to Argentina over comments by Brigadier General Gustavo Javier Valverde, chief of staff of the Argentine Air Force.
On Sunday, Valverde said that the Magallanes region, southern Argentina and the Drake Passage were areas of sovereignty. The Argentine commander said the presence of Argentina in the Strait of Magellan, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, should be maintained, describing the region as a strategic passage between the two oceans.
Chile points to agreements
Chile's Foreign Minister Francisco Perez Mackenna rejected Valverde's remarks on Monday and said Chile's sovereignty over the strait was undisputed.
Mackenna said bilateral agreements signed by Chile and Argentina in 1881 and 1984 established sovereignty over the Strait of Magellan. Chilean Interior Minister Claudio Alvarado also rejected Valverde's remarks, saying there was nothing to discuss regarding sovereignty over the waterway.
Argentina highlights dialogue and military cooperation
Following the remarks, Argentina's Foreign Ministry reiterated its commitment to bilateral relations with Chile and drew attention to the strategic value of cooperation between the two countries.
The ministry emphasized the importance of cooperation between the armed forces of the two countries. It said relations should continue on the basis of dialogue, coordination and respect for the sovereignty of each country.
Valverde comments on the Falkland Islands
Asked whether tensions around the Falkland Islands were continuing, Valverde replied that the dispute had already been overcome. The Argentine commander said the armed forces in the Southern Hemisphere should work in coordination while respecting each country's sovereign territory.
Territorial disputes between Chile and Argentina were regulated by the 1881 Boundary Treaty. The Treaty of Peace and Friendship signed by the two countries in 1984 resolved a series of regional disputes and reaffirmed their commitment to settle differences by peaceful means.
