By Gustavo A Maranges on April 5 , 2022
photo: EFE
Maipu or Maipo is singularly one of the most important battles of the Latin American war against the Spanish Empire. This battle was won on April 5th, 1818, thanks to the role of Jose San Martin and his soldiers, who came from Argentina to help the Chilean patriot, Bernardo O’Higgins. Maipu is an example of unity among independent forces against Spain, an event that had further positive effects on Boyacá (Colombia) and Ayacucho (Peru) victories.
Therefore, it is not a coincidence that Chile’s President Gabriel Boric chose the date to pay a State visit to Argentina. The visit has a special meaning beyond the historic background ever since this is Boric’s first visit to a foreign country as head of State. It is also a tradition for Chile’s Presidents to visit Argentina on their first trip abroad. Although, it happens only 22 days after taking power, which gives clues about the priorities of the new government.
Boric’s wide agenda ranges from Human Rights, gender, and equity issues to commerce and foreign policy. Chile’s delegation includes congressmen, justices, businessmen, and ministers who will seek to reinforce bilateral cooperation, specifically on gas supply, internet connectivity, cultural heritage, and the creation of a parliamentary friendship group. According to Chile’s Undersecretary for Latin America and the Caribbean Affairs, Gustavo Pandiani, the visit is planned to “start a new age of the bilateral relations” by opening it to new fields such as feminism, LGTBIQ+ issues, and cultural exchange.
The relationship between Chile and Argentina is crucial for both countries amid the current international scenario marked by the Ukraine conflict, the pandemic effects, and the growing inflation. At the same time, it is even more relevant when it comes to regional integration.
Boric gave some interviews before visiting its neighbor and later, during his time in Argentina, where he showed his openness to strengthening ties with the region. When asked about his government’s stance towards the US, he said “our priority is Latin America”. Much of Boric speech on foreign policy was around this idea, and he even said the region should gain a stronger voice on the world stage. However, this will only come true if we succeed in the integration process.
At this point, it is worthy to note that speeches and actions are not the same. They actually are on opposite sides of the same line. However, it is a good signal for the entire continent since Chile has been the historical stronghold of neoliberalism in the region. Even during Bachelet’s tenures, the country did not get fully involved in the last decade’s progressive wave. If Boric gets to act in line with his speeches, not only bilateral relations but also the integration process will get more momentum.
So far, Boric seems to be on the right way, at least, when he speaks, although it is too early to assure he will be able to accomplish his goals. Twenty-two days of administration is not nearly enough to judge him.
Statements he made in Argentina were more prudent than the ones he made some month ago about Cuba and Venezuela, while the position on Nicaragua is still the same. Boric is said to be committed to denouncing Human Rights violations no matter where they come from, and it’s right as long as he takes into account contexts, objective analysis, and fair judgment. Something he has not shown yet.
In an interview with the Argentine newspaper Pagina 12, Chile’s President also talked about his approach to other countries in the region like Brazil and Bolivia. In the first case he showed himself to be looking forward to Lula’s victory in Brazil later this year. If that happens it will strengthen the Latin American economy and the integration process beyond the political frame. He also expressed admiration for Bolivia’s President Luis Arce and talked about the necessary cooperation between both countries. Bolivia has extensive experience as a plurinational state that could be really helpful for Chile and Boric’s government, ever since one of his stated goals is to solve, or at least improve, the Mapuche people’s current situation. The young president said he is open to reestablishing diplomatic ties with his neighbor as a first step to advance in the bilateral agenda.
An overall view of the visit shows it was a complete success for both the host and the invitee. It offered a necessary breath of fresh air for the integration of the region.
Going back in time, this is not exactly Maipu because we have not succeeded yet, we have not defeated the empire we face. However, those who fight for a united Latin America have reasons to believe we are on the right path. It may have stumbles along the way but it is promising. Boric is not a San Martin, but he seems to be able to play a better role than his predecessors in the struggle for regional integration, allowing the process to advance.
Source: Resumen Latinoamericano-English