Chile — Foreign Relations and South-South Engagement

Chile is strengthening its engagement with countries of the Global South, with its relationship with Vietnam providing a strong example of this expanding diplomatic strategy. Voice of Vietnam (VOV) reported on August 24 that Chilean Foreign Minister Francisco Pérez Mackenna was making an official visit to Vietnam from August 23–25, as the two countries mark the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations. The discussions focused on deepening political ties, strengthening mutual trust and expanding practical cooperation. Vietnam News reported that both sides identified mining, the green transition, the digital economy, banking and finance, education, science and technology, and security and defence as areas with significant potential for greater cooperation. The partnership is also supported by the two countries’ bilateral free-trade agreement and their membership of both APEC and the CPTPP.

Chile’s engagement with Vietnam demonstrates how its South-South diplomacy is moving beyond traditional political relations toward trade, investment, technology and strategic resources. During the talks, Chile expressed interest in expanding cooperation in renewable energy and critical strategic minerals, while both sides agreed to improve market access and strengthen business connectivity. VOV’s latest report also reported that Vietnamese Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng received Minister Pérez Mackenna in Hanoi on August 24, with discussions including continued high-level exchanges and a future official visit to Chile. The developments are particularly significant because Vietnam is described as Chile’s largest trading partner within ASEAN, while Chile is Vietnam’s third-largest export market in Latin America. This growing relationship illustrates Chile’s broader effort to build stronger connections between Latin America and the Asia-Pacific, creating new opportunities for economic cooperation at a time when countries are seeking diversified international partnerships.

The latest developments also show that Chile’s South-South engagement is not limited to economic interests but includes greater coordination on international and regional issues. Vietnam News reported that Chile and Vietnam agreed to strengthen coordination at international organizations and multilateral forums, particularly the United Nations. The timing is notable, as Chilean Foreign Minister Pérez Mackenna’s visit continues through August 25, 2026, making the Vietnam engagement one of the most current examples of Chile’s efforts to deepen relations with emerging partners in Asia. Today’s VOV coverage provides an additional update on the visit and confirms that Chile is seeking to strengthen its relationship with Vietnam as part of its wider Asia-Pacific policy. Taken together, these developments suggest that Chile is positioning South-South cooperation as an important component of its foreign policy, using stronger ties with Vietnam and other emerging economies to expand trade, investment, technology cooperation and diplomatic coordination.