As the first head of state and third head of government to visit the South Pole, Chilean President Gabriel Boric creates history.

According to his administration, Chilean President Gabriel Boric conducted a historic trip to the South Pole to reiterate his nation's "sovereignty claim" to its portion of Antarctica. Being the first sitting head of state in history to reach the South Pole, Boric's visit has been hailed as a significant accomplishment. 

However, the area has been visited by several heads of state, including Clark and Stoltenberg. "Operation Polar Star III," which included Boric's mission, reinforced Chile's dedication to scientific exploration and the preservation of Antarctica. 

The Chilean leader arrived at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, a U.S. research outpost, at 8 p.m. GMT with his defense and environment ministers and three military commanders, according to his office.

According to his administration, Boric is the first leader from Latin America to travel to the southernmost point of the world. "This is a milestone for us," Boric stated in the video that Chilean television aired. "This is the first time a president of Chile has visited the South Pole and discussed Chile's Antarctic mission." Boric intended to spend around two hours at the U.S. outpost, which is located in one of the roughest and most isolated parts of the world.He declared, "This voyage is a proof of our claim to sovereignty" over a portion of Antarctica.

 Countries including Chile, France, the United States, the United Kingdom, Argentina, and Japan set up research stations in Antarctica during the 20th century in order to conduct scientific studies and establish their presence in the hostile area. The Antarctic Treaty, which aims to shield the continent and surrounding seas from geopolitical disputes, has supervised activity in Antarctica since 1961.

Seven nations, including Chile, have territorial claims in Antarctica, but “the United States and most other countries do not recognize those claims,” according to the U.S. State Department. Boric boarded a Hercules C-130 military transport plane early in the day to go from Punta Arenas in southern Chile to Chile's research station on the Union Glacier in Antarctica. The visit by Boric coincides with a "critical period for Chile’s scientific activities in the region," according to his office.