Santiago, 21 March 2022 (TDI): The newly elected Chilean President, Gabriel Boric will visit Argentina on 5th April, according to the Minister of Foreign Affair of Chile, Antonia Urrejola.
This will be the first foreign visit of the Chilean leader after assuming the role. Foreign Minister Antonia Urrejola said that the date was chosen for its historical value for both nations.
On 5th April 1818, the Battle of Maipu between South American patriots (Chilean and Argentine) and the Spanish Empire led to a decisive patriot victory that consolidated Chilean Independence.
The day is also known as “Abrazo de Maipú”, or the Maipú Embrace. Talking about the significance of the chosen day, the Foreign Minister said that it was the day when “the heroes of independence, General José de San Martín and General Bernardo O’Higgins, gave each other the famous embrace that sealed Chile’s independence on April 5, 1818.”
She made it clear that this was the reason for choosing 5th April as the meeting day between the two South American leaders. However, she did not release the details regarding the agenda of the meeting.
Previously, the Argentine President attended the inauguration of Gabriel Boric as the new President, who took office on 11 March this year. He expressed goodwill and hope for the new Chilean government.
He further added that “for Latin America, it is a great boost because he is a President who thinks about the region and that makes us very happy”
Chile-Argentina Relations
Chile and Argentina gained their independence from Spain during the South American Wars of Liberation in the 19th century. The relations between the two countries have seen ups and downs throughout the years.
Historically, territorial and social differences have often led to cold relations. However, cooperation between both nations in the fields of commerce, sports, and culture has increased in recent years.
