Ayuso honours Kast in Madrid on the eve of the Ibero-American Summit: “We defend the same things”

Madrid regional leader Isabel Díaz Ayuso honored Chilean President José Antonio Kast on Monday, presenting him with the Madrid Community's International Medal. The award ceremony took place on the eve of the 30th Ibero-American Summit of Heads of State and Government. Ayuso expressed that both Chile and the Madrid region share a commitment to the same core values.

She noted that they defend freedom, liberal democracies, the rule of law, and stand against authoritarianism. Ayuso contrasted Chile with other nations like Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. She praised Chile as an "example of what a nation can achieve when it trusts its citizens." Kast, who is in Madrid for the summit, highlighted security as a top priority for his government.

He stressed that without security, there cannot be order, peace, or freedom. The International Medal, established in 2017, is an honorary award given by Ayuso personally to distinguished individuals. Previous recipients include Argentine President Javier Milei, Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Pope Leo XIV, and the United States on the 250th anniversary of its independence.

Some critics, like Manuela Bergerot from Más Madrid, accused Ayuso of using the award to bolster her political image. Kast kicked off his day with a private meeting with Vox leader Santiago Abascal, who shares close ties with Kast. Kast also plans to meet Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez during the upcoming summit, which brings together Latin American countries and Spain, Portugal, and Andorra.