On May 26th, the Chilean city of Valparaíso hosted the first meeting of the Oceanic Consultation Mechanism between **Argentina and Chile**, a meeting that concluded with a **joint declaration against illegal fishing**.
According to the **Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs**, this meeting allowed for a broad exchange on fundamental aspects of **ocean management**, reaffirming cooperation on environmental issues and **marine conservation**.
### Delegations and representatives in diplomatic dialogue
The **Argentinian delegation** was led by:
– Paola Di Chiaro, Secretary of Malvinas, Antarctica, and South Atlantic.
– Javier Figueroa, Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador.
– Officials from the Argentine Naval Prefecture.
– Representatives from the Ministry of Security and the Argentine Chancellery.
– Specialists from the Undersecretariat of Fisheries and the National Institute of Fisheries Research and Development [(INIDEP)](https://www.argentina.gob.ar/inidep).
On the **Chilean** side, the delegation was headed by Ambassador Julio Cordano, accompanied by experts in **environment, fishing, and merchant marine**.
### Key points of the multilateral agenda
During the meeting, **multiple topics** were addressed, highlighting:
– Implementation of the BBNJ Agreement (Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdictions).
– Joint work with the International Whaling Commission and the International Maritime Organization.
– Conservation strategies through marine protected areas.
– Role of the Port State in port control and regional integration.
In this context, **Argentina and Chile** formalized a **joint declaration**, reaffirming their commitment to **combat illegal fishing**, a problem that affects the sustainability of maritime resources.
### Advances in international agreements and fishing regulations
One of the key points of the meeting was the need to **advance in the legislative approval of the BBNJ Agreement**, essential for the protection of oceanic ecosystems.
The importance of:
– Presenting to the World Trade Organization (WTO) the instruments related to subsidies for illegal fishing.
– Formalizing Argentina’s registration as a Port State with the FAO to improve fishing monitoring was also emphasized.
### Binational cooperation to preserve the seas
The dialogue between **Argentina and Chile** marks a **crucial step in ocean protection**, with strategies for **marine governance**, application of **international regulations**, and **joint actions against illegal fishing**.
The collaboration between both countries **strengthens the sustainability of maritime ecosystems**, ensuring the preservation of **biodiversity and natural resources** for future generations.
