On the last day of President Bachelet's State Visit to the UK, Foreign Minister Heraldo Muñoz highlighted the excellent bilateral relations between the two countries. He said that England sees Chile as a nation that "plays a leading role in Latin America. A country that is serious, cooperative and willing to have an open dialogue on all matters".
In this regard, Minister Muñoz signaled that "it has been a very successful visit in all matters. England is a country that follows the same route as Chile in terms of building a more cohesive international framework as well as a prosperous bilateral relationship".
At the same time, the Minister of Foreign Affairs explained that Chile aims to strengthen ties of collaboration in terms of innovation, education, science and technology as well as to provide opportunities for bilateral trade and investments.
The activities began this Friday at 10 Downing Street with a private meeting between President Bachelet and Prime Minister David Cameron. Later on, Minister Heraldo Muñoz held a working breakfast with the Minister of Public Works Alberto Undurraga and the Minister of Mining, Aurora Williams. The event also included the participation of the General Director of International Economic Relations Andres Rebolledo and the Ambassador of Chile in the U.K.Rolando Drago.
The talks focused on a number of topics, including Chile's investment opportunities, the signing of the Mutual Academic Validation Agreement: Memorandum of Understanding between both diplomatic academies. The Prime Minister and President also reiterated their commitment to prevent, deter, and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. They will work together to adopt international enhanced observation measures in relation to the creation, monitoring and control of marine protected areas.
Later, the activities continued in Mansion House where President Bachelet proceeded to sign the guestbook. She also participated in the Chile Day annual conference.
It is worth recalling that this is President Bachelet's second State Visit to the U.K. (the first one was in 2008, during her first presidential period). Chile's head of state received an official invitation from Prime Minister Cameron.