Official diplomatic relations between Germany and Chile have existed since 1952 and are based on close relations in business, science and culture, as well as shared positions on key multilateral issues.

The EU ranks third amongst Chile’s trading partners, behind China and the United States, and Germany is Chile’s most important trading partner in the EU. Germany’s principal imports from Chile are copper and agricultural produce, while Germany’s main exports to Chile are machinery, vehicles and other industrial products.

There is great interest in the German language and German culture. German immigration from 1848 as well as the contribution by German settlers in the spheres of science, education and the economy have had an impact that is evident to this very day, especially in the south of the country. Bilateral cultural relations focus on language tuition, the programme work of the Goethe-Institut as well as support for the 24 schools participating in the Federal Foreign Office’s Schools: Partners for the Future initiative (PASCH), including five German schools.

Numerous bilateral university and research partnerships underscore Germany’s high standing in the fields of science and research. An updated framework agreement on cooperation in science and technology has been in force since 2013. Priority areas are renewable energies, environmental protection, astronomy, Antarctic research and healthcare. The Heidelberg Centre for Latin America and the Fraunhofer Chile Centre for Solar Energy are beacon projects in Santiago.

Chile is regarded as a regional pioneer in renewable energies and a key partner in the development of green hydrogen. Chile and Germany are the Co-Chairs of the Climate Club established by the G7 in 2023 to promote decarbonisation. The two countries have had a strategic raw materials partnership since 2013, an energy partnership since 2019 and a lithium partnership since 2024. In 2010, Chile became the first South American country to join the OECD.

Federal President Steinmeier went on a state visit to Chile in March 2025.

Germany and Chile are also working closely together within the framework of the Chilean-German Joint Commission to address the historical memory of Colonia Dignidad and the integration of victims into society. The results of the last session are available in German here.