Chile–Syria relations

Chile–Syria relations were established on 22 October 1945.[1]

Chile–Syria relations
Map indicating locations of Chile and Syria

Chile

Syria
Diplomatic mission
Chilean Embassy, DamascusSyrian Embassy, Santiago

Both countries share longstanding historical and cultural ties, primarily due to the large Syrian community residing in Chile.[2]

Historical background

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Syrians first began migrating to Chile in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Many Syrians, fleeing the political turmoil and economic hardships of the Ottoman Empire, chose Latin America as their destination, with a significant number arriving in Chile.[2] This wave of immigration resulted in a substantial Syrian-Chilean community that has contributed to Chile's cultural, social, and economic landscape.

The Syrian community in Chile has retained strong cultural ties to their homeland, and many Chileans of Syrian descent maintain interest in Syria's political affairs.[3] The Syrian community in Chile has also facilitated Chilean engagement with the broader Arab world.

Diplomatic relations

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Formal diplomatic relations between Chile and Syria were established in 1945[1] following Syria’s independence from France. Since then, both nations have maintained diplomatic missions. Chile has an embassy in Damascus,[4] and Syria has an embassy in Santiago, as well as Honorary Counsulates in La Serena, Osorno, Valparaíso, and Rancagua.[5]

Economic relations

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Trade between Chile and Syria has remained limited due to geographical distance and differing economic structures. However, both nations have expressed interest in expanding trade.[6][7] While direct trade volumes remain low, members of the Syrian diaspora in Chile have facilitated some commercial ties between Chilean and Syrian companies.

Cultural and social relations

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The Syrian community in Chile plays a significant role in fostering cultural relations between the two countries. Syrians and their descendants have contributed to Chilean society in fields like business, arts, and politics.[2] In Chile, there are various Syrian cultural centers and organizations dedicated to preserving Syrian heritage and promoting cultural exchange.[8]

Humanitarian and political issues

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During the Syrian Civil War, Chile expressed concern over the humanitarian situation in Syria and has supported various United Nations resolutions calling for an end to the violence and for humanitarian aid to reach affected areas within Syria.[9] Additionally, Chile has provided refuge to a small number of Syrian refugees.[10]

See Also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "CHILE: Relaciones bilaterales de Chile con el Mundo Árabe". arabe.cl (in Spanish). Retrieved 31 October 2024.
  2. ^ a b c Fahrenthold, Stacy D. (March 2019). "Between the Ottomans and the Entente: The First World War in the Syrian and Lebanese Diaspora, 1908-1925". Oxford Academic. Retrieved 31 October 2024.
  3. ^ "الجالية السورية في تشيلي تحتفل بعيد الجلاء". Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) (in Arabic). 20 April 2023. Retrieved 31 October 2024.
  4. ^ "Embassy of Chile in the Syrian Arab Republic". Government of Chile (in Spanish). Retrieved 31 October 2024.
  5. ^ "Diplomatic missions abroad - Map". Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates - Syria (in Arabic). Retrieved 31 October 2024.
  6. ^ "بحث سبل تطوير العلاقات الثقافية بين سورية وتشيلي". Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates - Syria (in Arabic). 23 February 2022. Retrieved 31 October 2024.
  7. ^ "صباغ يؤكد للقائم بأعمال سفارة تشيلي انفتاح سورية في علاقاتها مع دول العالم". Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) (in Arabic). 6 April 2023. Retrieved 31 October 2024.
  8. ^ "CLUB SIRIO UNIDO". Club Sirio Unido. Retrieved 31 October 2024.
  9. ^ "General Assembly Adopts Resolution Calling for End of Violence in Syria". United Nations. 3 August 2012. Retrieved 31 October 2024.
  10. ^ "Chile becomes latest country to resettle Syrian refugees". United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). 13 October 2017. Retrieved 31 October 2024.