he Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alberto van Klaveren, participated today in the seminar of the bicentennial of diplomatic relations between Chile and the United States, organized by the universities of Chile and Católica, with the United States Embassy in Chile.
In his speech, the chancellor emphasized that one of the characteristics of the relationship with the United States is the joint work to promote knowledge and innovation as engines that strengthen capabilities to contribute to development: “These efforts are shown especially in the field of academic training. This area is what prompts us to create what we call a ‘binational social fabric’, facilitating friendly relations and giving a greater dimension to our bilateral relations.
In the event, which was held at the Central House of the University of Chile, the minister also emphasized that the bilateral relationship has deepened since the return of democracy in Chile. “Our meetings regarding the promotion and protection of democracy and human rights, as well as trade openness, have been strengthened by the completion of various projects that endorse the importance of moving towards more democratic and inclusive societies,” he added.
Among the milestones in bilateral history highlighted by the chancellor is the signing of the Free Trade Agreement, which this year marks the 20th anniversary of its signing and which has allowed us to increase bilateral trade by an average of 7.7% per year, as well as the inclusion of Chile in the Visa Exemption Program in 2014, which every year allows almost 350,000 Chileans to have the opportunity to visit the United States.
“Our countries have enjoyed a strong and mature relationship, facing complex moments in the past, which we now reflect on and learn from together. These experiences have enriched us and allowed us to face the complex challenges that we face today, such as the defense of democracy and human rights in the hemisphere and in the world, where the joint work of Chile and the United States has a lot to contribute,” he concluded.
