The military President of Argentina, General Jorge Videla began a four day visit to Chile on Thursday (11 November) aimed at strengthening economic and political ties.

SYNOPSIS: Both Argentina and Chile are ruled by military Juntas which seized power from elected Governments. President Videla was met at Santiago airport by his Chilean counterpart, President Augusto Pinochet, to the accompaniment of an artillery salute.

Some observers believe the visit is part of a long planned attempt to re-establish a new political alliance. Chile and Argentina are traditional rivals, but with both military Governments supporting private enterprise and anti-Communism it is thought there is now sufficient ideological agreement between them to forge a new alliance.

The event which paved the way for a strengthened economic tie between Chile and Argentina was Chile's decision earlier this month to withdraw from the Andean Pact, which it was hoped would promote the economic integration of Latin America. It united Chile with Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia and Venezuela. Now Chile is free to discuss bilateral economic issues with Argentina. Chile had unsuccessfully asked the other members of the pact that the grouping's original aims be watered down.

In the Blue Hall of Chile's Government House, President Videla was honoured by President Pinochet. The two Presidents are expected to discuss ways of cooperating against the threat of insurgency which is still strong in Argentina. Another likely subject for discussion is the election of Mr. Jimmy Carter as President of the United States and its effect on both countries.