A month after Argentine President Javier Milei and Chilean President José Antonio Kast met, disputes over the Falkland Islands, the Strait of Magellan and links between southern Chile and the islands have again strained relations.
Buenos Aires reacted to comments by Chilean Defense Minister Fernando Barros Tocornal. He backed Argentina’s call for negotiations with Britain over sovereignty of the islands but described British control as de facto and roughly 200 years old. Argentine Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno said Kast’s position carried more weight than the minister’s remarks.
A proposed trade route between Punta Arenas and the islands, and a visit by a delegation of island businesspeople and residents, added to the dispute. Buenos Aires protested. Quirno said Chile would not provide logistical support for resource exploration or development there, including for Navitas and Rockhopper.
Chile remains displeased by comments from Argentine Air Force chief Gustavo Valverde about maintaining a presence in the Magellan region. Santiago cites the 1984 treaty and says the Strait is Chilean. Foreign Minister Francisco Pérez Mackenna said its status was not open to debate.
Tierra del Fuego Governor Gustavo Melella joined legal proceedings over the Sea Lion project. Sources on both sides say the Strait and island disputes should be handled separately, yet diplomatic tensions are rising again.