Marco Rubio, the U.S. Secretary of State, extended his congratulations to Chile's newly elected president, José Antonio Kast, on Sunday following his electoral victory. Rubio emphasized that Washington is keen to bolster bilateral cooperation in regional security and trade.
"Congratulations to Chile's president-elect, José Antonio Kast, on his win. The United States looks forward to partnering with his administration to enhance regional security and revitalize our trade relationship," Rubio posted on his official X account after the leader of Chile's Republican Party secured more than 59% of the vote.
Rubio's statement joins the chorus of congratulations from Cuban-American legislators María Elvira Salazar and Carlos Giménez in the U.S. Congress. They praised the political shift in Chile and recognized Kast as a valuable ally in defending democracy and combating communism in Latin America.
"The people of Chile have spoken clearly," Salazar stated, while Giménez expressed his eagerness to "work closely to shake our hemisphere free of communism and violence."
Both lawmakers highlighted that the victory of the Chilean politician signifies support for policies centered on order, security, and free market principles.
With José Antonio Kast's election, Chile is set to undergo a political shift to the right, following the leftist administration of Gabriel Boric.
The newly elected president has vowed to initiate an "emergency government" aimed at tightening immigration control, combating crime, and bolstering the nation's economy.
The acknowledgment from Republican figures in the United States underscores Washington's interest in strengthening its ties with Santiago, promoting a hemispheric alliance rooted in stability, free trade, and democratic security across the region.
U.S.-Chile Relations and Political Shifts
What are the key areas of cooperation between the U.S. and Chile under Kast's leadership?
The key areas of cooperation include enhancing regional security and revitalizing trade relations between the two countries.
How did U.S. legislators react to Kast's electoral victory?
U.S. legislators, particularly Cuban-American members, expressed their congratulations and viewed Kast as an ally in defending democracy and combating communism in Latin America.