Ankara: Chile will send a formal diplomatic protest to Argentina regarding remarks made by an Argentine military chief about sovereignty and the strategic significance of the Strait of Magellan, the Foreign Ministry announced.

According to Anadolu Agency, Brigadier General Gustavo Javier Valverde, the Argentine Air Force Chief of Staff, commented on the Strait of Magellan's crucial position as a bi-oceanic passage connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Valverde emphasized the need for a sustained presence in the area due to its importance for maritime navigation and regional security.

In response to inquiries about tensions surrounding the Falkland Islands, Valverde stated that the dispute was "already overcome" and suggested that armed forces in the Southern Hemisphere should collaborate while respecting each nation's sovereign territories.

Chilean Foreign Minister Francisco Perez Mackenna strongly rejected Valverde's remarks, asserting that Chile's sovereignty over the Strait of Magellan is "indisputable." He highlighted that Chilean sovereignty is enshrined in bilateral treaties signed with Argentina in 1881 and 1984.

Interior Minister Claudio Alvarado also dismissed Valverde's comments, affirming that there is "nothing to discuss" regarding the sovereignty of the waterway.

In the wake of the controversy, the Argentine Foreign Ministry expressed its commitment to maintaining strong bilateral ties with Chile. It emphasized the "strategic value" of cooperation between the two nations and advocated for continued relations based on dialogue, coordination, and respect for each other's sovereignty.

The 1881 Boundary Treaty resolved territorial disputes between Chile and Argentina, while the 1984 Treaty of Peace and Friendship reaffirmed both countries' dedication to resolving differences through peaceful means.