Día 2
El segundo día estará dedicado íntegramente a la investigación espacial. En pleno desierto de Atacama, al norte de Chile, se encuentra el Observatorio Europeo Austral (ESO). Su ubicación en el desierto de Atacama ofrece condiciones de observación excepcionales gracias a sus cielos despejados y secos.
Los Soberanos, junto con el Ministro Maxime Prévot y la Ministra Vanessa Matz, responsable de Política Científica, visitarán varios telescopios del Observatorio Paranal de ESO, incluyendo la obra en construcción del Extremely Large Telescope, que será el telescopio óptico/infrarrojo más grande del mundo; el telescopio belga SPECULOOS; y el Very Large Telescope, uno de los más potentes del mundo.
Para el Ministro Maxime Prévot, «esta será una oportunidad para fortalecer los lazos entre las instituciones científicas e industriales belgas y ESO, y para explorar nuevas oportunidades de colaboración entre Bélgica y Chile en el ámbito de la investigación y la innovación». »
De hecho, las instituciones belgas han contribuido significativamente al éxito de ESO, participando activamente en el desarrollo de proyectos astronómicos clave como TRAPPIST y SPECULOOS, que operan en el Observatorio Paranal. Bélgica también desempeña un papel clave en astronomía, instrumentación óptica y la transición energética aplicada a la infraestructura de los observatorios.
El proyecto SPECULOOS (Búsqueda de Planetas Habitables que Eclipsan Estrellas Ultrafrías), también conocido como «cazadores de planetas», tiene como objetivo detectar exoplanetas potencialmente habitables. El observatorio está compuesto por varios telescopios robóticos especializados en este tipo de investigación. Bélgica, a través de la Universidad de Lieja, desempeña un papel central: inició el proyecto, construyó algunos de los telescopios y coordina las observaciones. Este proyecto se basa en el éxito belga de la misión TRAPPIST (Planetas en Tránsito y Pequeño Telescopio PlanetesImales).
Día 3
El último día de la Visita de Estado comenzará con una visita a la Planta Química Carmen de la Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile (SQM). Se trata de la refinería de litio más grande del mundo, que produce componentes esenciales para baterías utilizadas en automóviles eléctricos, teléfonos móviles y sistemas de almacenamiento de energía, entre otros productos. SQM, actor clave en el sector y responsable del 17% de la producción mundial, adopta un enfoque sostenible: reduce el consumo de agua, aumenta el uso de energías renovables, reduce su huella de carbono y se mantiene en constante innovación.
Este proyecto ilustra la solidez de los lazos económicos entre Bélgica y Chile. SQM es la mayor empresa química mayorista de Bélgica. La compañía realiza importantes inversiones en Bélgica, especialmente en el puerto de Amberes-Zeebrugge, donde cuenta con centros de distribución e instalaciones de mezcla de fertilizantes. Además, en Antofagasta, SQM ha contratado a la empresa belga Veldeman para construir la bodega modular más grande de Latinoamérica, con capacidad para 80.000 toneladas métricas de carbonato de sodio.
Para concluir la Visita de Estado, los Soberanos y el Ministro Prévot visitarán una planta de producción de fertilizantes propiedad de Enaex, perteneciente al grupo Sidgo Koppers. En 2011, Sidgo Koppers, una de las principales empresas mineras e industriales de Chile, adquirió la empresa Magotteaux, con sede en Lieja, por 550 millones de euros. Es la mayor empresa latinoamericana con presencia en Bélgica. Esta adquisición ha aportado importantes beneficios tanto a Bélgica como a Chile, fortaleciendo los lazos industriales y económicos entre ambos países, a la vez que ha impulsado la innovación, la expansión global y las sinergias operativas.
PROGRAMA
Tuesday June 24, 2025
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Strength, recovery, and innovation: an encounter with Coaniquem’s young burn survivors
Organisation VLUHR in collaboration with University of Antwerp Date Participants Upon invitation -
Encounter around the solidarity between Belgium and Chile in 1973
Organisation Belgian Embassy Date Participants Restricted -
Belgium-Chile, traces and stories of exile
09:00 Arrival and welcome by María Fernanda García Iribarren, Executive Director of el Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos.
09:02 A short tour of the Museum
09:27 Arrival in the auditorium of the museum
09:30 Welcoming words by María Fernanda García Iribarren
09:35 Welcoming words by HE Rudi Vervoort
09:40 Welcoming words by HE Elisabeth Degryse
09:45 Welcoming words by the Rector of the Université Libre de Bruxelles Prof. Annemie Schaus and donation of posters from ULB archives
09:55 A presentation ‘Mi Barrrio Bruselas (collective memory)’ by Ema Tytgat Paredes
10:05 A testimony ‘Donation of Luis Max Adelsdorfer’s diaries (individual memory)’ by Ursula Adelsdorfer and Max Adelsdorfer
10:15 Archive SONUMA (TBC)
10:25 Photo opportunities and signature of the golden book of the museum
Organisation Brussels International in collaboration with WBI and Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) Venue Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos, Avenida Matucana 501, 8500000 Santiago Date Participants Upon registration Additional information Chileans in Belgium form a historic community that suffered exile after 1973 as a result of the Pinochet dictatorship. It is estimated that there were between 2,000 and 3,000 Chilean refugees in Belgium in the 1970s and 1980s, with a significant presence in Brussels. Today, the Chilean community in Belgium is smaller but remains active, particularly in the cultural and political spheres.
The State Visit to the Republic of Chile represents a unique opportunity to bring to the attention that Belgium has played an active role in welcoming Chilean refugees. In Belgium, the first wave of Chilean exiles arrived mainly between 1973 and the early 1980s. Brussels, in particular, was a major reception point.
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Innovating together: critical raw materials, waste valorisation and climate action – Chile-Belgium cooperation
09:00 Registration and welcome coffee
09:30 Opening remarks by hosting organisations
09:45 Panel 1: ‘Responsible production of strategic and critical raw materials’
10:30 Panel 2: ‘Circularity in mining – metals and construction materials from mining residues’
11:15 Coffee break
11:45 Panel 3: ‘Climate change mitigation’
12:30 Round-up: concluding remarks
13:00 Networking drink and sandwich lunch (*)
(*) This lunch is organised jointly with Flanders Investment & Trade, AWEX and hub.brussels, the organisers of the afternoon Business forum: ‘High Level Economic Dialogue’.
Organisation KU Leuven in collaboration with VLUHR Venue Room San Cristobal C (13:00 lunch in the Foyer), Sheraton Santiago Hotel, Avenida Sta. María 1742, 7500000 Santiago Date Participants Upon registration Additional information The urgent global imperative to combat climate change is driving an unprecedented demand for critical and strategic raw materials such as copper, lithium, and rare earth elements. These materials are essential for clean energy technologies, from electric vehicles and wind turbines to energy storage and digital infrastructure. In today’s rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape, new alliances are forming around the production and sustainable use of these resources.
In this context, the European Union and Chile signed a Raw Materials Partnership Agreement in July 2023,1 reaffirming their commitment to jointly promote secure, sustainable, and responsible supply chains for critical raw materials. Within this broader framework, Belgium and Chile hold significant potential to deepen cooperation in the development and exchange of technologies related to critical raw materials. Belgium has a long-standing industrial tradition in metals and minerals production, and is home to globally recognized companies such as ArcelorMittal (steel), Nyrstar (zinc), Aurubis (copper), Umicore (precious metals and battery materials), Aperam (stainless steel), and Sibelco (industrial minerals). Chile, for its part, is a global leader in the mining sector, with copper (Codelco, Enami) and lithium (SQM, Albemarle) as cornerstones of its economy.
Closer collaboration in the responsible production of these materials—particularly through technological innovation—would offer considerable benefits to both countries. Shared priorities include improving the sustainability and environmental performance of mining and metallurgical processes, electrifying operations to reduce fossil fuel dependence, minimizing water consumption, and enhancing the valorisation of waste streams, including the recovery of critical metals from tailings and residues. These advances are key to building a cleaner, more circular raw materials industry aligned with global climate goals.
This seminar aims to highlight leading research and innovation initiatives in Chile and Belgium focused on the sustainable production of metals and minerals. By showcasing cutting-edge technologies and best practices, the event will facilitate dialogue among key stakeholders from industry, academia, and government, and explore concrete opportunities for bilateral collaboration.
The seminar targets Belgian and Chilean companies, research institutions, and policymakers, and aspires to reinforce the strategic importance of critical raw materials to both economies.
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Wreath laying at the Monumento del Libertador General Bernardo O’Higgins
Organisation Belgian Embassy Date Participants Restricted -
Protocol Activities for Their Majesties
– Welcoming Ceremony hosted by the President of the Republic
– Tête-à-Tête with the President of the Republic*
– Extended meeting with the President of the Republic*
– Press declaration by the Heads of State*
– State lunch
(*HM the King only)
Organisation Belgian Embassy Date Participants Restricted -
Separate Visit to el Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino
Organisation Belgian Embassy Venue Museo Chileno de arte Precolombino, Bandera 361, Santiago Date Participants restricted official delegation -
Visit to el Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino
Organisation Belgian Embassy Date Participants Restricted -
High level economic dialogue: Belgium and Chile: partners in shaping a sustainable industrial future followed by a signing ceremony
13:00 Registration and sandwich lunch (*)
14:00 Panel discussions
15:40 Coffee break
16:15 Closing session and signing ceremony
16:40 End
(*) This lunch is organised jointly with KU Leuven and VLUHR, the organisers of the morning seminar: ‘Critical Raw Materials, Waste Valorisation & Climate Action’.
Organisation FIT in collaboration with AWEX and hub.brussels Date Participants Upon registration (part 1) Upon invitation (closing)
Additional information This High-Level Economic Dialogue will showcase the dynamic collaboration between Belgium and Chile in building resilient, sustainable industries. The event brings together leaders from both nations’ public and private sectors to explore pioneering Belgian-Chilean partnerships in circular production, sustainable innovation, and green hydrogen. Through tangible examples, the Dialogue illustrates how Belgian companies—supported by a unique ecosystem of research and policy—translate visionary ideas into impactful, scalable solutions. The focus lies not only on innovation, but on societal transformation: embedding sustainability as a core business model and enabling a transatlantic green corridor of cooperation. The format is conceived as two consecutive expert panels, spanning all involved actors from the triple helix model of innovation: government, private sector and research institutions:
- Sustainability in the production processes & Circularity in waste management
- Green Hydrogen Journey: building a Transatlantic corridor
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Official meeting with the President of the Senate and the President of the Chamber of Representatives
Organisation Belgian Embassy Date Participants Restricted -
Encounter with a native community in la Pintana
Organisation Belgian Embassy in collaboration with WBI Date Participants Restricted -
Encounter of the Ministers with the Belgian and Chilean CEOs
Organisation FIT in collaboration with AWEX and hub.brussels Date Participants Upon invitation -
Belgian Official Reception
Organisation Belgian Embassy Date Participants Upon invitation Wednesday June 25, 2025
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Lunch buffet upon prior reservation
Venue Hotel Terrado Suites Antofagasta, Gral. Manuel Baquedano 015, Antofagasta Date -
Visit to SQM Salar El Carmen lithium production plant and Veldeman project (+lunch)
– Lunch
– Visit including presentation on SQM
– Visit of the site where a construction of the Belgian company Veldeman is located
– Visit of lithium processing plant of SQM
Organisation SQM, Veldeman and FIT Venue Garita SQM, 9P9Q+38, Antofagasta Date Participants Upon invitation with motivation Presentations /sites/default/files/SV%20CHILE-SQM%20Presentation.pptx /sites/default/files/State%20Visit%20Chile%20-%20Veldeman%20Project.pdf
Additional information The Chilean company SQM has an investment in Belgium: SQM Europe NV/ SQM Lithium Europe NV.
It is SQM’s biggest commercial office outside Chile, employing more than 70 people. Based on 2023 turnover (€2.5 bn), Trends ranked SQM Europe as the biggest chemical wholesale company in Belgium, ahead of companies like Solvay and Inovyn. Responsible for all sales in the EMEA region, looking after the commercial, logistic, financial, IT, technical and regulatory aspects of SQM’s business in EMEA.
Located in Antwerp, it was originally established in 1933 (by another company which was later merged with SQM). The location in Antwerp is not a coincidence as the Antwerp port is amongst the best ports in the world for container trade and it offers reliable global logistics which are absolutely critical to SQM’s customers around the world.
Considering SQM’s divisional structure, there is no Belgian CEO. Rather the 3 different divisions (lithium, iodine and nitrates), have different senior roles based in Antwerp.
However, the lithium CEO and Vice Presidents are based at SQM’s headquarters in Santiago.
Furthermore, SQM Chile has contracted the services of Veldeman for the construction of one of the world’s largest modular warehouses, designed and manufactured in Veldeman’s workshops in Bree. SQM stands as a prime example of the strong commercial ties between Chile and Belgium.
In addition, SQM has participated in innovative projects in the country, such as the acquisition of the first electric pump truck in Latin America, which was shipped from the port of Zeebrugge, Belgium, to Chile, with the support of SQM Lithium and Copec Voltex.
These initiatives reflect SQM’s strategy of investing in infrastructure and sustainable projects, strengthening its presence in the European market and promoting innovation in various areas.
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Introduction to the European Southern Observatory
Organisation Belgian Embassy in collaboration with AWEX Date Participants Restricted -
Visit to the Extremely Large Telescope Construction Site
Organisation Belgian Embassy in collaboration with AWEX Date Participants Restricted -
ELT GROUP – Visit to ELT Construction site
– Arrival at ELT base. Welcome by ESO personnel. Safety instructions + TBC safety gear
– Transport to construction site
– General introduction in front of telescope (AMOS guide moves to foundation & KU Leuven guide to bridge)– ELT visit in 2 groups:
1st group + ESO guide. First foundations, then footbridge.
2nd group + ESO guide. First footbridge, then foundations.– Descent Base ELT
Organisation Belgian Embassy in collaboration with AWEX Venue ESO’s Paranal Observatory, ELT construction site, Antofagasta Date Participants Upon registration Additional information The European Southern Observatory (ESO) is one of the world’s most advanced astronomical research institutions, operating several of the most powerful telescopes globally. Located in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, the Paranal Observatory is home to the Very Large Telescope (VLT), which is one of ESO’s flagship instruments, and is essential for the cutting-edge research in astrophysics, including the study of exoplanets, black holes, and distant galaxies.
Belgium has long been a significant contributor to ESO’s success. Belgian institutions have been actively involved in the development of key astronomical projects like TRAPPIST and SPECULOOS, which operate at the Paranal Observatory.
This visit will also emphasize the potential for continued collaboration between Belgium and Chile in the fields of astronomy, space science, and technological innovation, particularly within the framework of ESO’s ongoing and future projects.
Belgium’s involvement in these initiatives, including its leadership in space instrumentation and astronomical research, will be key areas of focus.
Belgium plays a key role in the Einstein Telescope project, a next-generation gravitational wave observatory that will push the boundaries of fundamental physics. With its advanced research facilities, and strong industrial expertise, Belgium contributes to cutting-edge technologies in cryogenics, optics, and precision engineering. The project represents a unique scientific and economic opportunity, positioning Belgium at the heart of Europe’s high-tech innovation ecosystem.
It is important to highlight that Belgium, through ULiège (Université de Liège), has made significant contributions to the field of exoplanet research with the development of the TRAPPIST and SPECULOOS telescopes, both operating in collaboration with ESO at the Paranal Observatory.
The TRAPPIST (TRAnsiting Planets and PlanetesImals Small Telescope), developed by ULiège, was instrumental in the discovery of the TRAPPIST-1 system, which contains seven Earth-sized exoplanets, several of which are located in the habitable zone. This groundbreaking discovery has revolutionized our understanding of exoplanetary systems and their potential for habitability.
Building on the success of TRAPPIST, the SPECULOOS (Search for Planets EClipsing ULtra-cOOl Stars) project, also led by ULiège, aims to identify Earth-like exoplanets orbiting ultra-cool dwarf stars. This project continues to strengthen Belgium’s role in planetary science and astronomy, advancing our search for potentially habitable planets.
KU Leuven actively contributes to the European Southern Observatory (ESO) through its expertise in stellar seismology, exoplanets, and advanced instrumentation. Its researchers support missions like CHEOPS and PLATO, complementing ESO’s observations in Chile, and collaborate on cutting-edge technology for the VLT and ELT telescopes.
These projects not only underscore, once more, Belgium’s scientific leadership in space research but also reinforce the close collaboration between Belgian institutions and ESO, with a focus on expanding our knowledge of the universe and the potential for life beyond Earth.
The company Solcor realized the installation of the solar complex in Paranal, providing all the energy needed for the ESO Paranal observatory’s facilities on both Cerro Paranal and Cerro Armazones. This project, executed under a contract with the Saesa Group (the second-largest electricity distributor in Chile), is the largest solar complex in the country, consisting of 18,565 panels spread across 7.2 hectares of land.
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Visit to the Speculoos telescope site
Organisation Belgian Embassy in collaboration with AWEX Date Participants Restricted -
VLT GROUP – Visit to the VLT platform: Unit telescope
– Arrival at the VLT and pick-up of groups by 3 ESO guides + helmet equipment. Each group heads to its UT.
– General ESO introduction downstairs.
– Visit to UT. Split into 2 groups in each UT (walkway and lower UT).Organisation Belgian Embassy in collaboration with AWEX Venue ESO’s Paranal Observatory, VLT platform, Antofagasta Date Participants Upon registration Additional information The European Southern Observatory (ESO) is one of the world’s most advanced astronomical research institutions, operating several of the most powerful telescopes globally. Located in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, the Paranal Observatory is home to the Very Large Telescope (VLT), which is one of ESO’s flagship instruments, and is essential for the cutting-edge research in astrophysics, including the study of exoplanets, black holes, and distant galaxies.
Belgium has long been a significant contributor to ESO’s success. Belgian institutions have been actively involved in the development of key astronomical projects like TRAPPIST and SPECULOOS, which operate at the Paranal Observatory.
This visit will also emphasize the potential for continued collaboration between Belgium and Chile in the fields of astronomy, space science, and technological innovation, particularly within the framework of ESO’s ongoing and future projects.
Belgium’s involvement in these initiatives, including its leadership in space instrumentation and astronomical research, will be key areas of focus.
Belgium plays a key role in the Einstein Telescope project, a next-generation gravitational wave observatory that will push the boundaries of fundamental physics. With its advanced research facilities, and strong industrial expertise, Belgium contributes to cutting-edge technologies in cryogenics, optics, and precision engineering. The project represents a unique scientific and economic opportunity, positioning Belgium at the heart of Europe’s high-tech innovation ecosystem.
It is important to highlight that Belgium, through ULiège (Université de Liège), has made significant contributions to the field of exoplanet research with the development of the TRAPPIST and SPECULOOS telescopes, both operating in collaboration with ESO at the Paranal Observatory.
The TRAPPIST (TRAnsiting Planets and PlanetesImals Small Telescope), developed by ULiège, was instrumental in the discovery of the TRAPPIST-1 system, which contains seven Earth-sized exoplanets, several of which are located in the habitable zone. This groundbreaking discovery has revolutionized our understanding of exoplanetary systems and their potential for habitability.
Building on the success of TRAPPIST, the SPECULOOS (Search for Planets EClipsing ULtra-cOOl Stars) project, also led by ULiège, aims to identify Earth-like exoplanets orbiting ultra-cool dwarf stars. This project continues to strengthen Belgium’s role in planetary science and astronomy, advancing our search for potentially habitable planets.
KU Leuven actively contributes to the European Southern Observatory (ESO) through its expertise in stellar seismology, exoplanets, and advanced instrumentation. Its researchers support missions like CHEOPS and PLATO, complementing ESO’s observations in Chile, and collaborate on cutting-edge technology for the VLT and ELT telescopes.
These projects not only underscore, once more, Belgium’s scientific leadership in space research but also reinforce the close collaboration between Belgian institutions and ESO, with a focus on expanding our knowledge of the universe and the potential for life beyond Earth.
The company Solcor realized the installation of the solar complex in Paranal, providing all the energy needed for the ESO Paranal observatory’s facilities on both Cerro Paranal and Cerro Armazones. This project, executed under a contract with the Saesa Group (the second-largest electricity distributor in Chile), is the largest solar complex in the country, consisting of 18,565 panels spread across 7.2 hectares of land.
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Visit to the daily opening of the very large telescopes (VLT)
Date Participants Restricted -
Sunset observation with photo session
Organisation Belgian Embassy in collaboration with AWEX Date Participants The entire delegation attending the ESO activities -
Enhanced cocktail offered by ESO laser gazing moment for the Ministers & the delegation
Organisation Belgian Embassy in collaboration with AWEX Venue ESO Residence (swimming pool) – ESO’s Paranal Observatory, Antofagasta Date Participants Upon registration -
Round table on Space Observation
Organisation Belgian Embassy in collaboration with AWEX Date Participants Restricted -
Photo Opportunity on VLT platform followed by a visit to the control room
Date Participants Restricted Thursday June 26, 2025
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Visit to SQM Salar El Carmen lithium production plant and Veldeman project
Organisation SQM, Veldeman and FIT in collaboration with Belgian Embassy Date Participants Upon invitation -
Visit to Molymet-Molynor & lunch
Visit including:
– Presentation on Molymet-Molynor
– A brief tour of the facilities, focusing on the main process ‘Molybdenum Concentrates Roasting’
– Visit of the Quality Control Laboratory
– Lunch
Organisation Molymet-Molynpr in collaboration with FIT and Belgian Embassy Venue Complejo Portuario, Avenida Prolongación Longitudinal 6400, Mejillones, Antofagasta Date Participants Upon registration (limited) Additional information The Chilean company Molymet is a global leader not only in the processing and transformation of molybdenum but also other strategic metals such as rhenium. It supplies critical raw materials needed for the development of low-carbon technologies, being vital in the global push towards a more sustainable future. Molybdenum and rhenium are critical raw materials for technologies such as wind turbines, electric vehicles, and clean infrastructure.
Molynor is a subsidiary of Molymet, located in Mejillones. The industrial production unit is focusing on the roasting of molybdenum concentrates, transforming them into molybdenum trioxide. Molymet has an important investment in Ghent where it processes molybdenum sulfide ores into molybdenum products. The visit will highlight the company’s technological advancements and state-of-the-art infrastructure.
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Informal meeting with the Belgian press delegation
Organisation Royal Palace Date Participants Belgian Press Delegation -
ENAEX Business Luncheon
Organisation Belgian Embassy in collaboration with AWEX Date Participants Upon invitation
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