Chile establishes senate friendship group to strengthen historic ties with Palestine

Chile has taken a new step in strengthening its historic relationship with Palestine through the official establishment of the Chile–Palestine Friendship Group in the Senate. The cross-party parliamentary body aims to deepen political, diplomatic, cultural and human ties between the two peoples. As one of the largest parliamentary diplomacy groups in the National Congress, it seeks to reinforce a longstanding relationship that has been supported by successive democratic governments in Chile.

According to Gahona, the official establishment of the Friendship Group reflects a consolidated State position on international affairs and reaffirms Chile’s commitment to multilateralism, international law, human rights and the promotion of peace.

“The establishment of this group is a powerful political signal that projects and consolidates a State position on international affairs,” Gahona told MEMO, stressing that the broad parliamentary support behind the initiative shows that bilateral relations with Palestine rise above domestic political differences.

The formation of the group comes at a significant moment. Chile’s Congress is in the final stage of reviewing a bill that seeks to designate January 7 as the Day of Friendship and Solidarity with the Palestinian People. The date commemorates Chile’s official recognition of the State of Palestine in 2011.

Gahona said the current international context gives the initiative added importance. He described the group’s creation as an ethical response and a concrete indication that Chile cannot remain neutral or indifferent in the face of international conflicts or violations of international law.

For Gahona, the Friendship Group will serve as both a political instrument and a cross-party forum for dialogue. Its role will be to support recognition of the Palestinian people, contribute to efforts toward peace, and strengthen Chile’s voice in international debates.

By bringing together senators from different political backgrounds, the group is expected to operate in a coordinated manner to influence public debate, reinforce Chile’s position on global conflicts, and strengthen the role of the Palestinian community in Chile as an active force in political, cultural and diplomatic relations.

The broad support of 28 senators carries particular institutional weight. Gahona said it demonstrates that strengthening ties with Palestine and upholding international legality have become a clear consensus within the Upper House.

“This broad convergence shows that the issue transcends legitimate partisan differences and has become a shared ethical commitment,” he said.

Chile’s relationship with Palestine is also shaped by the country’s large Palestinian community, widely regarded as the largest outside the Arab world. Gahona said this community has played a decisive role as a historic bridge between both peoples and as a cultural force that pushes Chile to maintain an active and consistent position internationally.

He added that the Palestinian presence in Chile prevents the bilateral relationship from being viewed as distant or symbolic. Instead, it gives the relationship a concrete social and historical foundation that continues to influence Chilean diplomacy.