Chile has placed regional security cooperation, international relations and economic development at the centre of President José Antonio Kast’s latest diplomatic activities, following his participation in the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Kast’s visit to the United States included his first address to the UN General Assembly since taking office. In his speech, he discussed Chile’s security situation, economic development and the need for changes to the international system. He also presented his government’s view that security, confidence and economic growth are closely connected.

Security cooperation was a major component of the president’s programme. During his time in New York, Kast participated in discussions involving regional efforts to combat transnational organised crime. The Chilean government said these meetings were aimed at strengthening cooperation between countries facing cross-border criminal networks.

The issue has become increasingly prominent in Chilean politics as the government works on measures concerning organised crime, irregular migration and border security.

Chile has also joined the regional “Shield of the Americas” initiative promoted by US President Donald Trump. Chilean officials have described the initiative as a framework for cooperation against transnational crime, while emphasising that participation does not remove Chile’s national sovereignty.

Kast’s participation in the initiative has generated political debate inside Chile. Opposition figures have questioned aspects of the government’s approach, while administration officials have argued that international cooperation is necessary to address criminal organisations operating across national borders.

The president’s New York programme also included meetings with leaders and representatives from several countries and international institutions. According to the Chilean government, Kast met with 15 national and institutional leaders during the trip, with discussions covering security, education, social policy and international cooperation.

One of the more significant diplomatic developments involved Venezuela.

Kast met Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodríguez in New York. Following the meeting, the Chilean president said his country supported the reconstruction of Venezuela, signalling an effort to maintain diplomatic engagement despite the complex political situation surrounding the Venezuelan government.

The meeting represented an important diplomatic contact between the two governments and came amid wider efforts in the region to address Venezuela’s political and economic situation.

Trade and economic cooperation were another important part of Chile’s international agenda. During the UN visit, Chilean officials held discussions with foreign governments and international organisations about investment, economic growth and opportunities for cooperation.

Chile also continued promoting Valparaíso as a possible location for a new United Nations body dealing with the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdictions. The initiative is connected to the international agreement concerning marine biodiversity in areas outside national maritime boundaries.

The issue is strategically important for Chile because of its extensive Pacific coastline and its longstanding involvement in ocean and marine-environment policy.

Kast’s UN address also included criticism of aspects of the current multilateral system. The Chilean government said the president called for modernization of international institutions and argued that global organisations need to adapt to current challenges.

The president concluded his US tour after several days of diplomatic meetings and international events. The Chilean government said the visit produced opportunities for new agreements in security, education and social matters.

Domestically, however, the government’s foreign-policy decisions remain subject to political debate. The decision to participate in regional security initiatives, its approach to migration and its position on international cooperation have generated different reactions among Chilean political parties.

The latest diplomatic activity therefore reflects several priorities of the Chilean administration: strengthening cooperation against transnational crime, expanding international economic relationships, promoting Chile’s interests in multilateral institutions and maintaining diplomatic engagement with governments across the region.

As the government returns its focus to domestic affairs, the agreements and diplomatic contacts established during the US visit are expected to move into the implementation stage.