Mexican and Chilean Presidents Unite in Commemoration: Remembering Salvador Allende and Pinochet's Coup
Mexican and Chilean Presidents Unite in Commemoration: Remembering Salvador Allende and Pinochet's Coup
Historic Meeting Reflects Shared Values and Legacy of Democracy.
A Message of Unity
In a historic moment, the Presidents of Mexico, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, and Chile, Gabriel Boric, stood together at the La Moneda Palace, offering a joint message after a private meeting. López Obrador openly condemned Augusto Pinochet's 1973 coup, labeling it as "abominable" and "irremediable." In return, Gabriel Boric expressed heartfelt gratitude to Mexico for providing asylum to over 3,000 Chileans on the fateful day of September 11, 1973.
Mexico's Solidarity Across Borders
Reflecting on Mexico's unwavering solidarity throughout history, López Obrador emphasized their commitment to humanity by extending a helping hand to hundreds of Chileans who sought refuge from their homeland's turmoil. He stated, "The government of Mexico, with the enduring spirit of solidarity that defines its history, embraced and sheltered hundreds of Chileans, offering them solace and support in their moments of pain and anguish."
Commemorating 50 Years of Struggle
The joint message takes place in the backdrop of commemorating the 50th anniversary of the coup d'état in Chile that saw the overthrow of President Salvador Allende. Boric underlined the deep-rooted brotherhood between Chile and Mexico, emphasizing their shared commitment to democracy that centers on the well-being of their people.
Prioritizing the Vulnerable
López Obrador reiterated the significance of prioritizing the welfare of the underprivileged, a sentiment echoed by Boric. The Mexican President's visit holds historical significance, reflecting his commitment to democracy and honoring the legacy of President Allende. He highlighted Mexico's steadfast support in 1973, providing sanctuary to Chileans, including the Allende family.
Mexico and Chile: Cultural, Commercial, and Intellectual Bonds
The strong ties between Mexico and Chile extend beyond diplomatic relations, encompassing culture, commerce, literature, and science. These shared interests further strengthen the bond between the two nations.
Honoring Salvador Allende
During the gathering at La Moneda, López Obrador paid tribute to Salvador Allende, expressing profound admiration for the late Chilean President. He remembered Allende as a pacifist and a principled leader who rejected armed revolution. López Obrador deplored the actions of General Pinochet, characterizing them as an abominable betrayal that could never be erased.
López Obrador's Historic Visit
This visit to South America marks a significant moment for López Obrador, who, since assuming office, has embarked on only five foreign trips, predominantly to the United States, with a brief tour of Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Belize, and Cuba. His visit to Chile holds immense symbolic importance.
Remembering Allende's Legacy
Despite ongoing controversy surrounding Salvador Allende's death, López Obrador refrained from directly addressing the matter during his visit. Instead, he characterized Allende's death as a "horrendous crime."
A Heir to Allende's Ideals
Turning to President Boric, López Obrador acknowledged him as the heir to the ideals of President Salvador Allende, describing Allende as an apostle of democracy in Chile and a global symbol of dignity.
Tensions Surrounding the Anniversary
The 50th anniversary of the coup d'état has stirred significant polarization and tension in Chile. Gabriel Boric, who was not born at the time of the events, recently described the atmosphere as "electric." Notably, conservative and far-right factions declined to participate in the commemorative events at La Moneda and rejected a declaration in support of democracy proposed by President Boric.