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Chilean-Mexican relations refers to the historical and current bilateral relationship between the Republic of Chile and the United Mexican States. Both nations are members of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, Latin American Integration Association, Organization of Ibero-American States, Organization of American States, Pacific Alliance and the United Nations.
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History of diplomatic relations
Chile and Mexico both share a common history in that they were both hosts to advanced indigenous societies and were both colonized by Spain. Diplomatic relations were established in the 1820s soon after both nations obtained independence from Spain. Chile soon opened a consulate in Mexico City and in Mazatlán and Mexico opened a consulate in Valparaíso. In the early 1900s, both nations established resident embassies in each other's capitals respectively.
In 1914, Chile belonged to regional group called the ABC nations (which included Argentina, Brazil and Chile). These three nations made up the richest and most influential nations in South America at the time. That year, the ABC nations intervened in a diplomatic dispute between the United States and Mexico who were on verge of war over the Tampico Affair and the subsequent occupation of Veracruz by US forces. The ABC nations meet with representatives of the United States and Mexico in Niagara Falls, Canada to ease the tension between the two nations and to avoid war, which afterwards did not occur.
On 11 November 1974, then-Mexican President Luis Echeverría Álvarez severed diplomatic relations with Chile a year after the unconstitutional removal and death of elected President Salvador Allende by General Augusto Pinochet. For the next fifteen years, Mexico would receive thousands of Chilean refugees who were fleeing the government of Pinochet. Both nations re-established diplomatic relations on 23 March 1990. Since the re-establishment of diplomatic relations, both nations have increasingly become closer with regards to bilateral relations and trade. Chile and Mexico are the only two Latin American countries who are members of the OECD and both nations have developed deeper ties via the Pacific Alliance.
State visits
Presidential visits from Chile to Mexico
Presidential visits from Mexico to Chile
Trade relations
Trade between the two nations has been steadily increasing over the years. Both nations signed a free trade agreement in 1999. Since the implementation of the free trade agreement, trade between the two nations amount to $3.5 billion USD in 2014 with 99.7% of trade being tariff free. Chile's main exports to Mexico include: lumber, plywood, salmon, peaches, cheese, wine and copper while Mexico's main exports to Chile include: automobiles and parts, tractors, electronics, machinery and beer.