Today, the Under-Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Edgardo Riveros, together with the Minister of State at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office for Latin America and Asia, Hugo Swire, headed the meeting of political consultations with the United Kingdom. At the meeting, the state of bilateral relations since the last consultations in 2013 was analyzed, aiming to strengthen political ties and to explore new opportunities for cooperation and exchange in areas such as science, technology and education.
Under-Secretary Riveros highlighted the reception of the Chilean delegation that participated in Chile Day, held on September 7 and 8 in London, and aimed to strengthen the commercial relationship and increase investment in Chile. It was noted that trade between the two countries has been increasing in recent years. In 2014, it reached over US $ 1.5 billion. In the same period, exports to the UK rose 6.1% compared to 2013.
During the meeting, the possibilities of UK investment in the mining sector and in energy where there is great potential for the development of clean renewable energy were also discussed.
With respect to the modernization of the Agreement between Chile and the European Union, the Under-Secretary explained that when it came into force, the EU was composed of 15 states and today there are 28. "That simple fact marks a need for modernization," remarked the national authority, adding that progress has been made in cooperation and in the political arena, but progress must still be made in trade issues. Riveros thanked the continued support that the United Kingdom has given to our country in this goal.
Moreover, the Under-Secretary expressed interest in increasing cooperation between diplomatic academies of the two countries. "We have a diplomatic career that has development over decades. We are interested in having an exchange in the training of our diplomats," he said.
Under-Secretary Riveros expressed readiness to continue cooperation with the British Antarctic campaigns and stressed the importance of working jointly in the commemoration and celebration of the 100th anniversary of the feat of the Pilot Pardo who, in 1916, rescued the scientific expedition Sir Ernst Shackleton shipwrecked on Elephant Island.
With regard to public safety issues, the two delegations exchanged views on the possibility of further cooperation in this area, especially through the exchange and training of police. Chile also expressed its interest to explore, implement and deepen cooperation agencies on the issue of cybersecurity in the UK, given its experience and knowledge on the subject.
Finally, the two officials discussed multilateral issues such as the various common issues in the framework of the UN Security Council; participation in COP21 in Paris; and Chile's willingness to participate in peacekeeping operations in Africa, together with the European Union. Under-Secretary Riveros referred to the interest of the UK in the Pacific Alliance, which has resulted in its role as an observer country.
Following consultations, the national authority attended a dinner in his honor hosted by the Permanent Under Secretary of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Sir Simon McDonald, which took place at 1 Carlton Gardens, official residence of the British Foreign Secretary.