Argentina and Chile Close the Strait of Magellan Dispute
Argentina · DIPLOMACY
Key Facts
- —What happened Presidents Milei and Kast met in Santiago on September 3, 2026.
- —The catch No treaty was signed; they issued a joint statement.
- —How big The statement reaffirms Chile’s full sovereignty over the Strait of Magellan.
- —Who it hits It distances Argentina from a 2021 decree that suggested joint control.
- —What comes next Chile backs Argentina’s claim to the Falklands and urges UK talks.
Presidents Milei and Kast met in Santiago to ease tensions over the Strait of Magellan. They issued a joint statement reaffirming Chilean sovereignty and supporting Argentina’s Falklands claim.
Argentina and Chile have settled their Strait of Magellan dispute during a meeting in Santiago. Presidents Javier Milei and José Antonio Kast issued a joint statement on September 3, 2026.
Meeting in Santiago
Argentine President Javier Milei met Chilean President José Antonio Kast in Santiago on September 3, 2026. The visit was linked to Milei’s participation in the Foro Madrid, a conservative forum.
The main goal was to address tensions over the Strait of Magellan. Both leaders aimed to de-escalate the dispute.
The Strait of Magellan Dispute
The Strait of Magellan is a key shipping route in southern Chile. The dispute centered on a 2021 Argentine decree that described the strait and Drake Passage as areas for joint exploration and control.
Chile saw this as contradicting treaties that grant it sovereignty over the strait. The 1881 Boundary Treaty and the 1984 Treaty of Peace and Friendship define the legal regime.
Kast’s Strong Words
On 2 September 2026, Kast spoke from Punta Arenas. He said Argentina does not have and never will have sovereignty or control over the strait.
He cited the two treaties as clear proof.
He also said he would not demand Milei sign a document revoking the 2021 decree.
He said, ‘International treaties establish very well Chile’s sovereignty over the Strait.’
The Joint Statement
On 3 September 2026 both presidents issued a joint statement.
They agreed that the 1881 and 1984 treaties set the legal regime of the strait.
The statement called those treaties fully in force and definitive.
The statement says these treaties ‘establish Chile’s sovereignty over the whole Strait of Magellan.’ This aligns Argentina with Chile’s stance.
No Treaty Signed
Despite the agreement, no new treaty was signed. The joint statement is a political declaration, not a binding legal document.
Chilean and Argentine officials had indicated Milei was expected to sign a document overturning the 2021 decree. But Kast said he would not demand such a signature.
Support for Argentina’s Falklands Claim
In the same statement, Kast reiterated Chile’s support for Argentina’s sovereignty over the Malvinas, South Georgia, South Sandwich Islands, and surrounding seas.
He said, ‘The Government of Chile supports the legitimate rights of the Republic of Argentina over these territories and maritime spaces.’
Chile reaffirmed ‘the need for the governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom to resume negotiations.’ It said this could bring a peaceful solution.
Domestic Argentine Debate
Argentine defense officials had recently argued that while Chile controls the strait’s maritime space, some eastern approaches are Argentine. This internal debate highlighted ambiguity in Argentina’s position.
The joint statement aligns Argentina with the treaty-based view. Chile holds sovereignty over the entire strait.
Reactions in Chile
Chilean media reported the joint statement as a diplomatic victory for Chile. The statement reaffirms Chile’s sovereignty over the strait without any concession.
Kast’s earlier comments from the Fragata Prat warship show Chile’s firm stance. He said the 2021 decree was a mistake by Argentina’s previous government.
Reactions in Argentina
Argentine media noted that the joint statement closes the internal debate over the strait. It distances Argentina from the ‘shared space’ language of the 2021 decree.
The support for Argentina’s Falklands claim is seen as a diplomatic win for Buenos Aires. However, it does not change the islands’ status or involve the UK.
Historical Context
The Strait of Magellan was discovered in 1520 and is a vital route between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. The 1881 treaty established the boundary between Argentina and Chile.
The 1984 treaty, signed after a border conflict, reinforced the legal framework. Both treaties are now described as ‘definitive’ by both countries.
What the Statement Means
The joint statement is a clear reaffirmation of Chilean sovereignty over the strait. It also shows Argentina’s willingness to align with Chile on this issue.
For foreign readers, this means the dispute is resolved diplomatically, at least for now. The legal framework remains unchanged.
The Falklands Factor
Chile’s support for Argentina’s Falklands claim is longstanding. It echoes UN resolutions calling for negotiations between Argentina and the UK.
The statement does not recognize Argentine sovereignty over the islands. It only supports Argentina’s ‘legitimate rights’ and urges talks.
Looking Ahead
The joint statement is a step toward normalizing relations between Argentina and Chile. Both presidents expressed a commitment to the treaty framework.
No further meetings were announced. The focus now shifts to implementing the statement’s principles in practice.
Key Takeaways
The Strait of Magellan dispute has been settled through a joint statement, not a treaty. Chile retains full sovereignty over the strait.
Argentina gains Chile’s support for its Falklands claim. The UK has not responded to the statement.
The 2021 Decree Explained
In 2021, Argentina’s then-president Alberto Fernández signed Decree 457. It described the Strait of Magellan and the Drake Passage as areas for ‘joint exploration, study and control’ between Argentina and Chile.
This decree, reported by 24 Horas, triggered recent tensions.
Chilean authorities saw it as contradicting the 1881 and 1984 treaties, which establish Chilean sovereignty over the strait.
Kast’s Position on the Decree
On 2 September 2026, President Kast said he would not demand that Milei sign a document revoking Decree 457.
“We are not going to demand that President Milei sign that decree,” he said.
He said the treaties settle Chile’s sovereignty over the strait.
“That is very clear, there is no doubt who has control,” he added.
This quote, reported by 24 Horas, shows Kast’s confidence in the existing legal framework rather than requiring a new signature.
The Joint Statement’s Legal Basis
The joint statement from 3 September 2026 cites the 1881 Boundary Treaty and the 1984 Treaty of Peace and Friendship. It calls them ‘fully in force’ and ‘definitive’ for both states.
These treaties are the core legal documents that define the strait’s regime, and the statement reaffirms them without creating new obligations.
Chile’s Support for Argentina’s Falklands Claim
President Kast reiterated Chile’s support for Argentina’s ‘legitimate rights of sovereignty’ over the Malvinas, South Georgia, and South Sandwich Islands. He called for Argentina and the UK to resume negotiations under UN resolutions.
This support, reported by Infobae and Puranoticia.cl, is a diplomatic win for Argentina. It does not change the islands’ status or involve the UK.
A Separate Worry for Argentina’s Economy Minister
La Política Online reported on 3 September 2026 that Economy Minister Luis Caputo is worried.
The outlet said he fears British retaliation against Argentine assets held under United Kingdom jurisdiction.
That reported concern centers on the central bank’s gold reserves, which market sources say remain in London. This friction has not been confirmed by Caputo or Milei’s office, and only La Política Online has reported it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Strait of Magellan dispute about?
The dispute centered on a 2021 Argentine decree that suggested joint control over the strait. Chile argued this contradicted treaties granting it sovereignty.
Did Argentina and Chile sign a treaty?
No, they issued a joint statement on September 3, 2026. The statement reaffirms existing treaties but is not a new treaty.
What did Chile say about the Falklands?
Chile reiterated support for Argentina’s ‘legitimate rights’ over the Falklands and called for negotiations with the UK. This is not recognition of Argentine sovereignty.
Why is the Strait of Magellan important?
It is a key shipping route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Control over it has strategic and economic significance.
Connected Coverage
Sources: 24 Horas; The Clinic; Infobae; Puranoticia.cl; La Política Online.
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