South Korea and Chile agreed to modernize their free-trade deal and deepen critical-minerals and defense cooperation, as President Lee met Kast in Santiago.
Chile · Politics
Key Facts
—Meeting South Korea’s President Lee Jae-myung met Chile’s President José Antonio Kast at La Moneda palace in Santiago on July 30, 2026.
—FTA revival Both nations agreed to convene the Korea-Chile FTA Commission for the first time in ten years to modernize the two-decade-old agreement.
—Critical minerals The joint declaration emphasizes deepening strategic cooperation on critical-mineral supply chains, key for electric vehicle batteries and tech.
Lee says S. Korea, Chile will reactivate committee to negotiate modernizing FTA - The Korea Times
South Korean president in Chile: Free trade agreement must evolve - EFE
Lee, Kast agree to put Korea-Chile FTA upgrade back in motion
Lee highlights S. Korea's first-ever FTA, 'enduring' friendship with Chile
President highlights Chile as Korea's 1st FTA partner during Santiago visit - The Korea Times
Lee highlights Korea's first-ever FTA, 'enduring' friendship with Chile - The Korea Times
Lee says S. Korea, Chile can create synergy on critical minerals, defense industry - The Korea Times
Lee says S. Korea, Chile can create synergy on critical minerals, defense industry
Lee arrives in Santiago for summit with President Kast - The Korea Times
El presidente surcoreano visita Chile: "El tratado de libre comercio debe evolucionar" - EFE
