In high-level dialogue, U.S. pledges to promote greater investment in Chile and highlights important advances required in the Visa Waiver Program
The Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs, Gloria de la Fuente, and the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, Kurt M. Campbell, today led the VII Bilateral Political Consultations, the highest level that both countries have held so far.
At the Department of State in Washington DC, the authorities began the meeting with a private meeting, in which they addressed topics of relevance to both countries, such as the global context and democracy in the region. In that instance, they highlighted the interest in strengthening bilateral relations, for which the United States committed to promote a deepening of direct investment in Chile, especially in the technology sector.
During the political consultations, they discussed the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation on migration, border issues and transnational organized crime in the region, as well as jointly addressing the crises affecting the hemisphere.
“We especially appreciate the opportunity to cooperate on security, where U.S. experience and expertise provide invaluable lessons,” said Undersecretary de la Fuente.
The meeting, which was also attended by the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, Brian A. Nichols, among other authorities from both countries, noted the significant increase in the exchange of information between Chile and the U.S. on Chileans traveling to the U.S. They stressed that this unprecedented level of bilateral cooperation is in the interests of both parties and represents important progress in meeting the requirements of the Visa Waiver Program to which Chile is subject. They emphasized that this unprecedented level of bilateral cooperation is in the interests of both parties and represents important progress in meeting the requirements of the Visa Waiver Program, to which Chile is subject.
The United States also emphasized the importance of revitalizing existing mechanisms to increase bilateral collaboration in Antarctic matters, especially in scientific development, and expressed interest in cooperating with Chile on critical minerals.
The authorities assured that they will also increase collaboration in cybersecurity, care of marine biodiversity, green hydrogen, energy security and illegal fishing, among many other matters.
“The extent of the agenda we have addressed today reflects the depth and richness of our bilateral ties. The high-level dialogue proved to be an essential mechanism for strengthening our coordination, ensuring the effectiveness of our joint actions in the international arena,” said Undersecretary de la Fuente. She concluded that, during the meeting, “critical areas for continued collaboration on matters of mutual interest were also identified”.
