The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s Minister for
the Americas and the Caribbean, , arrives today in Chile to
strengthen collaboration between the UK and Chile, as both
nations celebrate 200 years of bilateral relations.
While in the country, Minister Rutley, together with Chile’s
Under Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Gloria de la Fuente, will
sign a joint commitment to work together to enhance the
protections for the Antarctic.
The Letter of Intent on Antarctic Co-operation reaffirms both
countries commitment to enhancing environmental protection for
the Antarctic and to ensuring that it remains a region that is
dedicated to peace and scientific research.
During his visit minister Rutley will also meet young climate
leaders who have been selected by Chile to attend COP28 later
this year. He will hear about their work with the British Embassy
Chile and discuss the efforts of both countries to mitigate the
impacts of climate change and achieve the roadmap to net
zero.
The Minister will then go on to Villa Grimaldi, a former
detention centre during Chile’s dictatorship to demonstrate the
UK’s strong commitment to democracy and human rights, and to mark
the 50th anniversary of the military coup in Chile and reflect on
the suffering it caused.
His visit to the country also includes a trip to the Araucanía
Region to meet and engage with members of the indigenous
community, as well as regional authorities and local
organisations that promote women’s entrepreneurship.
FCDO Americas Minister said:
It is an honour to be able to visit Chile as we celebrate 200
years of bilateral relations.
Ours is a friendship underpinned by longstanding historical
links, shared values and commitment to democracy, and we’re
putting that into action this week with a clear commitment to
extend our landmark co-operation agreement on the Antarctic.
