On July 29, 2024, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, welcomed Gabriel Boric Font, President of Chile, in a historic visit marking the first such event since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations in 1978. The leaders held extensive official discussions at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations across various sectors and exploring new avenues for cooperation. They witnessed the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the UAE and Chile, described by His Highness as a “turning point in economic relations” between the two countries. The discussions also covered regional developments and showcased a mutual agreement on addressing regional and international crises in accordance with UN laws, promoting multilateral international efforts, stability, cooperation, and sustainable development.
Expanding Cooperation
Gabriel Boric Font’s visit to the UAE is the first by a Chilean president to Abu Dhabi since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1978. The visit underscored the importance of enhancing cooperation between the two nations. Key outcomes of the visit include:
Affirmation of Leadership on Expanding Cooperation: Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan welcomed President Gabriel Boric Font and called for enhanced cooperation between Abu Dhabi and Santiago in areas such as economy, investment, renewable energy, digital economy, climate action, and sustainability solutions. They aimed to open new horizons serving mutual interests, achieving economic prosperity, and leveraging opportunities for developing cooperation, particularly in renewable energy and the digital economy. Font expressed his happiness with the visit, reiterating Chile’s commitment to expanding cooperation and benefiting from the UAE’s inspiring developmental experience. He emphasized that the visit represents a significant boost to joint work for the benefit of both countries, meeting their aspirations for further development and prosperity. Both leaders agreed on the necessity of adhering to the UN Charter and respecting international agreements and laws to establish relations with all countries based on mutual respect.
Signing the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement: The leaders witnessed the signing of the CEPA between the UAE and Chile. His Highness described the agreement as a “turning point in economic relations,” reflecting a mutual will to achieve qualitative development in their relations. The agreement is a testament to the UAE’s approach to building cooperative bridges and developmental partnerships with important global economies. His Highness noted that trade between the two countries is supported by Chile’s involvement in the Joint Cooperation Declaration on the Interoceanic Corridor, signed during the COP28 conference in the UAE in 2023 to expand regional trade horizons. He revealed a 26% increase in non-oil trade between Abu Dhabi and Santiago during the first third of this year compared to the same period last year.
The agreement aims to reduce tariffs by 99.5% between the two nations, establishing new pathways for investment flows by providing opportunities for the private sectors in both countries to build joint partnerships. Notably, non-oil trade between the two countries in 2023 reached $305.1 million.
Diverse Cooperation Areas: The visit revealed both countries’ commitment to diversifying cooperation areas, with the signing of several memorandums of understanding in new fields such as food security, agricultural investment, information technology, and peaceful space research activities. Additionally, intentions to cooperate in mining were announced, given Chile is the world’s largest copper producer and the second-largest lithium producer. In April 2024, the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry signed an MoU with the Chilean Industrial Development Federation to link the two markets. Chile is an emerging economy, the fourth largest in South America, rich in agricultural, fishery, and mineral resources, presenting significant investment opportunities for Emirati investors.
Supporting Climate Understanding: His Highness highlighted the importance of cooperation in climate action, noting both countries have significant projects and successful experiences in this field, with a shared goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Chile is partnered with the UAE and Indonesia-led Mangrove Alliance for Climate, aiming to enhance global efforts to grow mangroves, a crucial natural solution to climate change and coastal ecosystem protection. Both countries are committed to implementing strategies ensuring environmental and climatic sustainability and diversifying renewable energy sources.
Enhancing Cultural and Scientific Communication: Both leaders stressed the importance of developing cultural and scientific cooperation. The visit of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, to Santiago in 2014, marked the start of cultural cooperation between the two countries, witnessing the signing of an MoU to enhance cultural exchange. The UAE Embassy in Santiago regularly organizes scientific and cultural seminars to highlight the UAE’s pioneering role in various fields, especially in tolerance and acceptance. The embassy collaborates with the Chilean Parliament to organize events supporting local artists and institutions for children with special needs.
Chilean Ambassador to Abu Dhabi Patricio Diaz Bruton praised the shared values of openness and women’s empowerment, which form a solid foundation for enhancing cooperation in these areas. He also appreciated awarding Sister Nelly Leon Coria, President of the Chilean NGO “Resilient Woman,” the 2024 Zayed Award for Human Fraternity. On scientific cooperation, Chilean researchers participated in the research training program at the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, with plans to develop space research cooperation.
Key Implications
Gabriel Boric Font’s visit to Abu Dhabi highlights several key implications:
Continued Political Convergence: The visit added significant momentum to bilateral cooperation, reflected in mutual visits by officials. For example, a UAE delegation led by Minister of State for Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi visited Chile in April 2024 to strengthen trade and investment relations. In May 2024, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs, had a phone conversation with Chilean Foreign Minister Alberto van Klaveren, affirming both countries’ desire to develop mutual cooperation. National Council President Saqr Ghobash met Chilean Ambassador Patricio Diaz Bruton in May 2024 to discuss strengthening strategic partnerships and parliamentary relations. Thus, President Boric’s visit and the signing of the CEPA underscore both countries’ commitment to expanding cooperation across various fields.
Supporting the UAE’s Policy of Openness to Latin America: Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed emphasized during the visit that the UAE has a comprehensive vision for cooperation with Latin American countries based on developmental aspects. Cooperation and stability are fundamental for achieving a more prosperous and sustainable future for all. This foundation of UAE foreign policy has strengthened ties with Latin American countries, even during the COVID-19 crisis, when the UAE sent medical aid to several countries, including Chile. The UAE signed a CEPA with Colombia in April 2024. During COP28 in December 2023, the UAE signed a joint declaration with Brazil, Paraguay, Chile, and Argentina to cooperate on the Interoceanic Corridor, enhancing regional integration and logistical efficiency. Several Latin American countries participated in the 2024 World Government Summit in the UAE. The UAE’s partnerships with Latin America and the Caribbean in developmental and humanitarian activities foster mutual growth in trade and services, making the UAE a bridge for economic and cultural communication between the Arab world and Latin America.
Implementing the UAE’s Fifty-Year Principles Document: Strengthening relations with Chile and expanding international partnerships through the CEPA aligns with the UAE’s Fifty-Year Principles Document launched in 2021, outlining goals for the next five decades. Politically, the document emphasizes working with regional partners and global friends to establish regional and global peace and stability. It also supports signing comprehensive partnership agreements with strategic markets worldwide to increase future non-oil trade volume.
Coordinating Positions in International Institutions: The UAE and Chile are both members of several international organizations, including the UN, the International Development Association, and the World Trade Organization, providing opportunities to enhance communication and coordinate positions in political, economic, technological, and security fields, benefiting both countries. Both share principles of foreign policy based on respecting UN resolutions and international law, and relying on dialogue and negotiation to address current crises. Coordination on Middle East issues, especially the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, is also possible.
In conclusion, the outcomes of the Chilean President’s first visit to the UAE represent a roadmap for strengthening cooperation across various fields, especially economically. It underscores Abu Dhabi’s efforts to diversify its economic investments and foreign policies across significant regions from Southeast Asia to Latin America. This enhances the UAE’s regional and international role, making it a model for developing international relations. The UAE can become a communication bridge connecting the Arab world with these regions, benefiting all parties and contributing to addressing current regional and international issues.
