Background on José Antonio Kast and His Policy Alignment
José Antonio Kast, the newly elected president of Chile, is a conservative politician who shares similar views with the Ecuadorian government on tackling drug trafficking and organized crime with a firm approach. His ultraconservative stance aligns him with Ecuador’s government, which also prioritizes combating these issues.
Meeting with Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa
On Tuesday, Kast met with Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa in Quito to discuss bilateral interests in confronting drug trafficking and irregular migration, primarily from Venezolanos.
Upon arrival, Kast, 59, stated his intention to converse about irregular migration, terrorism, and drug trafficking. He expressed that the conversation with Noboa was productive, as they share common goals such as poverty reduction and combating crime organizations.
Kast’s Proposals for Managing Irregular Migration
With approximately 300,000 irregular migrants in Chile, mostly Venezuelans, Kast proposes coordinating with regional leaders to establish a “humanitarian return corridor” to their countries of origin.
“It’s crucial for all of us to find a solution to the problem caused by Venezuela’s dictatorship, which has led more than eight million people to leave their homeland and seek refuge in various countries,” Kast said during a press conference.
He emphasized that the continent should react to this situation.
Ecuador’s Situation with Venezuelan Migrants
Ecuador currently hosts around 440,000 Venezuelans, with 60% residing there illegally, according to the United Nations.
Strengthening Security and Trade Relations
Kast, who does not recognize the Venezuelan dictatorship, prioritizes enhancing security alongside Ecuador, which faces record levels of violence.
Approximately 70% of the world’s cocaine production, primarily controlled by neighboring Colombia and Peru, passes through Ecuador’s Guayaquil and Manta ports.
Trade relations between Chile and Ecuador are favorable, with $1.435 billion in trade last year, according to the local central bank.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is José Antonio Kast, and what are his political views? José Antonio Kast is the newly elected president of Chile, known for his ultraconservative stance. He shares similar views with the Ecuadorian government on combating drug trafficking and organized crime.
- What are Kast’s proposals for managing irregular migration in Chile? Kast proposes coordinating with regional leaders to establish a “humanitarian return corridor” for Venezuelans to their countries of origin.
- How many Venezuelans are in Ecuador, and what is their legal status? Approximately 440,000 Venezuelans reside in Ecuador, with 60% staying there illegally.
- What measures are being taken to address drug trafficking in Ecuador? Ecuador and Chile aim to strengthen security, particularly in the face of rising violence and drug trafficking through its ports.
- What is the nature of trade relations between Chile and Ecuador? Trade relations are favorable for Ecuador, with $1.435 billion in trade between the two countries last year.
