Bolivia and Chile restore diplomatic ties with historic state visit and mining pact

In a landmark meeting in La Paz, President José Antonio Kast of Chile and President Rodrigo Paz of Bolivia signed multiple accords aimed at normalising relations that were severed in 1978. The agreements cover the installation of an underground fiber-optic link, joint research on mining techniques, and the possibility of synchronising their power grids. Both sides highlighted mining and critical minerals as a cornerstone of future cooperation, with Bolivia eyeing a substantial increase in exports via Chilean ports and the broader Capricorn Bioceanic Corridor.

While Bolivia maintains its claim for sovereign access to the Pacific, officials said resolving current economic and social issues takes precedence. An ex-consul general suggested full diplomatic ties could be restored before the end of Paz’s term in 2030, and Paz accepted an invitation to visit Chile next year.