On the first day of his visit to Chile, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha held a regional “roundtable” meeting with the heads of Ukraine’s diplomatic missions in Latin American countries—Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Peru, and Chile—during which they focused on advancing Ukraine’s national interests in the region.

“The top priority is to translate support into concrete solutions that are necessary for our state, our wartime economy, our exporters, and our citizens,” the Foreign Minister noted.

The Minister pointed out that Latin America comprises 33 countries, 662 million people, and accounts for 8% of global GDP. It is a region whose countries are actively seeking new opportunities and partnerships.

“Ukraine has much to offer—from mutually beneficial trade to unique expertise, particularly in the fields of unmanned technologies, digitalization, energy sustainability, and Antarctic research,” emphasized the head of the Foreign Ministry.

Andrii Sybiha noted that the region faces transnational crime, hybrid and cyber threats, illicit trade, and the growing influence of external actors. Ukraine is ready to jointly counter these threats and develop mutually reinforcing partnerships.

“It is also of fundamental importance for us to counter Russian propaganda, destructive influence, and hybrid threats in the region. We have adopted a Strategy for Developing Relations with the Countries of Latin America and the Caribbean, which provides for systematic work in this area,” he emphasized.

During the meeting with the leaders, the Foreign Minister discussed further directions for expanding Ukraine’s presence and noted that in recent years Ukraine has consistently expanded its diplomatic presence in the region, in particular by opening new embassies in Panama, Ecuador, Uruguay, and the Dominican Republic

“Support for Latin America must grow. So that the strong and principled voice of the region’s countries in defense of life, international law, and the UN Charter can be heard,” the Minister noted.

Andrii Sybiha, together with his wife Tetyana Sybiha, met with the Ukrainian community in Chile. At the initiative of Ms. Tetyana, who heads the Association of Spouses of Ukrainian Diplomats, new publications were donated to the Ukrainian book shelf in Chile, supporting the development of a project by Ukraine’s First Lady Olena Zelenska.

“I also urge young Ukrainians who are starting or planning a career in diplomacy to study Spanish and Portuguese. You will be the generation that develops an extremely important area of foreign policy: strengthening Ukraine’s ties with the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean,” the Foreign Minister said.

The Foreign Minister’s visit will continue with a series of important diplomatic meetings with partners in the region.