Background
The Ministry of Foreign Relatios (Minrel) announced on Saturday, September 19, 2026, that Minister Francisco Pérez Mackenna received the Ambassador of the United States in Chile, Brandon Judd. The meeting occurred within the context of ongoing diplomatic engagement between Chile and the United States, most recently evidenced by the Minister’s attendance at the Gran Parada Militar 2026 on Saturday, September 19, 2026, and his participation in Fiestas Patrias activities on Friday, September 18, 2026. Furthermore, the meeting followed a previous engagement on Thursday, September 17, 2026, where the Minister accompanied President Kast in a meeting with the US Ambassador. The Minister’s office stated that the purpose of the meeting was to receive information relevant to the events of October 18, 2019, and the subsequent days.
Analysis
The Minister’s request for information related to the 2019 protests – specifically, the violence occurring on that date and the days following – indicates a sustained effort by the Chilean government to understand the circumstances surrounding those events. The statement does not address the nature of the information sought from the US Ambassador. The Minister’s emphasis on safeguarding Chile’s interests and ensuring that other institutions have access to this information suggests a desire to maintain control over the narrative surrounding the protests. The Minister’s declaration that the government prioritizes any information contributing to clarifying the events and making the perpetrators accountable reflects a continued stance on holding those responsible for the violence. The participation in the UNESCO forum on artificial intelligence ethics (the statement does not address) suggests a broader approach to international cooperation on issues of governance and human rights.
Implications
The meeting carries implications for Chile’s relationship with the United States, particularly concerning the ongoing investigation into the 2019 protests. Should the Minister receive the requested information, it will be forwarded to the Fiscalía Nacional and other relevant agencies for evaluation. The engagement highlights the continued diplomatic engagement between the two countries, even amidst differing perspectives on the events of 2019. The request for information could potentially influence the trajectory of the ongoing investigations, although the statement does not specify how.
Outlook
If the Minister receives the information requested from the US Ambassador, and this information is deemed relevant by the Fiscalía Nacional, it could contribute to identifying those responsible for the acts of violence. Should the Ambassador provide the requested information, the Minister stated that it will be “derived” to the Fiscalía Nacional and other agencies for evaluation. The Minister’s emphasis on accountability suggests a continued determination to pursue justice in relation to the 2019 protests.
