The Daily Journal.— The Chilean government has taken the first step toward restoring its diplomatic presence in Venezuela by sending Hernán Núñez, director of Consular Affairs, Immigration and Chileans Abroad, to Caracas to reactivate consular services, Chile’s Foreign Ministry confirmed.
Núñez, a diplomat with more than 30 years of experience and a former ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, will review administrative and operational procedures needed to begin serving the public. His visit follows the roadmap both countries announced last Thursday. Their goal is to normalize bilateral relations after a two-year interruption.
The agreement will benefit approximately 25,000 Chilean citizens living in Venezuela, who will once again have access to services such as passport issuance, document legalization, and emergency assistance. More than 700,000 Venezuelans currently live in Chile, making them the country’s largest foreign community.
Bilateral trade figures
Trade between Venezuela and Chile has remained active despite the diplomatic situation, with agro-industrial products leading commercial exchanges.
According to recent reports, processed foods such as tomato purées and tomato juices topped Chilean exports to Venezuela, generating $14.3 million in sales during 2024.
Chile’s Undersecretariat of Foreign Affairs also reported that Chilean investment in Venezuela totals $829 million. Meanwhile, Chile imported approximately $15.16 million worth of goods from Venezuela.
Acting President Delcy Rodríguez said trade with Chile supports the country’s efforts to diversify its sources of income beyond oil revenue. She added that restoring consular relations will strengthen foreign trade and simplify procedures for exporting companies.
With information from Globovisión, Interborders, and Chile’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
