Chile’s Leader Meets Spain’s King in Madrid

CHILE · DIPLOMACY

Chile’s President José Antonio Kast met Spain’s King Felipe VI at the Royal Palace in Madrid on Tuesday, 3 November. Chile’s government says investment, security and organised crime were on the agenda.

Chile’s conservative President José Antonio Kast met Spain’s King Felipe VI in Madrid on Tuesday, 3 November. The king received Kast, in office since March, in the Royal Palace’s Teniers Room, according to Chile’s government.

Chile is the world’s largest copper producer, and Spain ranks as its third-largest foreign investor. Investment and security, both of interest to US companies and travellers, were among the topics.

What Happened in Madrid

The audience took place at the Royal Palace, Spain’s ceremonial royal residence, on the second day of Kast’s European tour. Kast was accompanied by Foreign Minister Francisco Pérez Mackenna and Chile’s ambassador to Spain, Juan Antonio Coloma.

Kast and the king last met in March, when Felipe VI travelled to Santiago for Kast’s inauguration. The Spanish monarch is a ceremonial head of state, so government policy is set by the cabinet of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.

What They Discussed

Chile’s government says the two men discussed security cooperation, the fight against organised crime and the economic relationship between the countries. They also covered artificial intelligence, multilateralism and the Ibero-American Summit, a gathering of leaders of Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking countries.

The talks also covered Valparaíso’s bid to host the secretariat of the High Seas Treaty, a UN pact protecting marine life. Brussels and Xiamen in China are rivals, and the winner is due to be chosen at the treaty’s first conference of parties.

Kast’s Day in Madrid

Earlier on Tuesday, Kast spoke at the 19th International Banking Conference of Banco Santander, Spain’s largest bank. He told investors that Chile is returning to being “that serious country you knew”.

He also presented “Choose Chile”, a government programme meant to attract Spanish companies. The programme was described by Chile’s Presidency as an invitation to invest and create jobs.

On Monday, 2 November, Kast met Santiago Abascal, leader of the conservative Spanish party Vox. Isabel Díaz Ayuso, president of the Madrid regional government, also gave him the region’s International Medal.

Why Spain Matters to Chile

InvestChile, Chile’s foreign-investment agency, said in June 2025 that Spanish investment in Chile totals US$20.7 billion. That makes Spain Chile’s third-largest foreign investor, with large positions in banking, energy, telecoms and infrastructure.

The same agency said Spanish firms then held 35 Chilean contracts worth more than US$7.9 billion. A further 15 public-private concessions worth over US$8 billion were due to go to tender.

What It Means for You

Americans who invest in Chile through copper miners, utilities or banks will watch whether the talks lead to new Spanish projects. Spanish capital already runs part of the Chilean power, telecoms and banking sectors.

No change to US travel advice or entry rules for Chile or Spain has been announced. Travellers can check the State Department’s country pages before booking.

Related Rio Times reports include Chile Leader Tours Europe Amid Minister Row and Chile Justice Minister Under Criminal Probe. The companion explainer is What Kast’s Meeting With Spain’s King Means.

More is on the Chile hub, in Chile in Latin America and Who Dominates Chile. Readers in the capital can see the Santiago city page.

What Is Not Known

Chile’s government has not said whether the talks produced any signed deal or new investment figure. The Spanish Royal House’s public agenda page had not listed the audience when checked on Tuesday afternoon.

The account of the topics comes from Chilean government statements relayed by local media, so the king’s own view is unknown. The date of Kast’s return to Chile and the day of his meeting with Italy’s prime minister are not confirmed.

What Comes Next

Kast travels to Italy to meet Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and President Sergio Mattarella. Pope Leo XIV is due to receive him on Wednesday, 4 November.

He then returns to Madrid for the 30th Ibero-American Summit, which runs from Wednesday, 4 November to Thursday, 5 November. The summit brings together leaders of 22 Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking countries.

An audience with the king is a courtesy meeting and does not by itself create any agreement. Any investment pledges would need separate announcements by the companies or the Chilean government.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is José Antonio Kast?

Kast is Chile’s conservative president, in office since March 2026. He is on a European tour that includes Spain, Italy and the Vatican.

What did Kast and King Felipe VI discuss?

Chile’s government says they discussed security, organised crime, investment and artificial intelligence. They also covered the Ibero-American Summit and Valparaíso’s bid to host the High Seas Treaty secretariat.

Why does Spain matter to Chile’s economy?

Spain is Chile’s third-largest foreign investor, with US$20.7 billion invested as of June 2025. Spanish firms are active in banking, energy, telecoms and infrastructure.

What happens next on Kast’s tour?

He travels to Italy to meet Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday, 4 November. He then returns to Madrid for the Ibero-American Summit on 4 and 5 November.

Sources: Spanish Royal House, official agenda; Spanish Foreign Ministry, statement on the king’s trip to Kast’s inauguration; InvestChile, InvestChile Week Madrid, 18 June 2025; United Nations, High Seas Treaty (BBNJ) page; Presidency of Chile, statements of 3 November 2026 (all accessed 3 November 2026).