# Bolivia and Chile Rebuild Ties

> Bolivia and Chile sign historic agreements after 70-year diplomatic rift.
- Title: Bolivia and Chile Rebuild Ties · Foreign Policy | Shortify
- Summary: Bolivia and Chile sign historic agreements after 70-year diplomatic rift. Bolivia and Chile signed agreements to normalize relations, boost mining…
- Keywords: bolivia, chile, mining, lithium, territorial dispute, diplomatic relations, south america, right-wing governments, Rebuild, Ties, Foreign Policy
- Source: Foreign Policy — https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/10/23/bolivia-chile-relations-thaw-kast-paz-lithium
- Author: Catherine Osborn
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: bolivia, chile, mining, lithium, territorial dispute, diplomatic relations, south america, right-wing governments
## Historic State Visit
Chilean President José Antonio Kast and Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz signed agreements during a historic state visit in La Paz on Oct. 16, 2026.

> step by step … toward the full normalization of our relationship
## 70-Year Diplomatic Rift
Bolivia and Chile severed official diplomatic ties in 1978 after a century-long territorial dispute from the War of the Pacific.
## Right-Wing Leaders
Both countries now have right-wing presidents, making rapprochement easier after years of political tension.
## Mining Cooperation
The leaders agreed to connect an underground fiber-optic cable, study electricity grid links, and accelerate trade talks for tariff reductions.
## Lithium Triangle
Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, and Peru pledged to collaborate on critical minerals after a recent August agreement.
## Bolivia's Ocean Access
Bolivia insists it is not abandoning its demand for ocean access despite being landlocked.
## 2030 Diplomatic Restoration
An ex-consul general for Chile in Bolivia said full diplomatic ties could be restored before Paz’s term ends in 2030.
## Economic Benefits
Bolivia expects to double mining exports through Chile by expanding shipping and rail infrastructure.
## Lithium Reserves
Most of Bolivia’s lithium reserves remain underground, while Chile is a global mining powerhouse.
## Regional Cooperation
The countries agreed to exchange mining techniques and accelerate trade talks to reduce tariffs.
## Historic Context
The territorial dispute began after the War of the Pacific in the late 19th century, ending with Chile gaining ocean access.
## Political Shift
Bolivia’s 2020 election of moderate-left president Luis Arce helped ease tensions with Chile’s left-leaning government.
## Future Steps
Bolivia and Chile plan to build out South America’s Capricorn Bioceanic Corridor for trade and shipping.
## Next Steps
The leaders agreed to restore diplomatic ties by 2030 and deepen economic cooperation through mining and trade.
## Key takeaway

Bolivia and Chile signed agreements to normalize relations, boost mining cooperation, and restore diplomatic ties by 2030.