Chilean president makes historic visit to the South Pole

First Latin American leader to reach the South Pole

Boric is the first Latin American leader to visit the Earth's southernmost point, a milestone hailed by his office. “This is a milestone for us,” Boric said in footage broadcast by Chilean television. “It is the first time a Chilean president has come to the South Pole and talked about Chile's Antarctic mission.”

President Boric's visit to Amundsen–Scott South Pole Station

Accompanied by his defense and environment ministers, as well as three military commanders, Boric arrived at the Amundsen–Scott South Pole Station, a US research base, at 2000 GMT. The Chilean leader spent about two hours at the US outpost, one of the most remote and hostile places on Earth.

Boric emphasised that his visit was a confirmation of Chile’s claim to sovereignty over its portion of Antarctica.

The Antarctic Treaty and territorial claims

Throughout the 20th century, countries like Chile, France, the US, Britain, Argentina, and Japan established research stations in Antarctica to conduct scientific studies and assert territorial presence. Since 1961, activities in Antarctica have been governed by the Antarctic Treaty, which aims to prevent geopolitical conflicts in the region.

Although the US State Department states that seven countries, including Chile, maintain territorial claims in Antarctica, it adds that the United States and many other nations do not recognize these claims.

Chile’s expanding scientific efforts in Antarctica

Boric’s visit is seen as significant for Chile’s scientific research in the region. While the country has traditionally focused its research on the northern part of Antarctica, it aims to expand its efforts into the Bellingshausen and Weddell Seas, as stated by the presidency.

In 2007, former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark visited the South Pole, followed by former Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg in 2011 to mark the 100th anniversary of Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen’s historic 1911 expedition.