Media release
27 August, 2009
Visit to Chile
Today, Thursday 27 August, on the second day of my visit to Chile, I was received by President Michelle Bachelet.
We had an excellent discussion, in which we reviewed key aspects of the bilateral relationship, including the operation of the new Australia-Chile Free Trade Agreement.
Earlier, I had a wide ranging meeting with my Chilean host, Foreign Minister Mariano Fernandez.
We talked about enhancing the bilateral ties between our countries in education, agriculture, science and technology, the environment, trade and investment, and discussed possibilities for greater cooperation in the United Nations and other multilateral institutions.
In order to expand and deepen our links with Chile, Minister Fernandez and I signed a Memorandum of Understanding to regularise bilateral political consultations. The extensive discussions we had today demonstrated just how valuable these future consultations will be.
In addition, I signed with Minister of Agriculture Marigen Hornkohl a Memorandum of Understanding on agricultural cooperation between Australia and Chile.
Our two countries have strong agricultural export sectors and share a common view of the liberalisation of international trade in agriculture, particularly through the Cairns Group and bilaterally through our Free Trade Agreement.
The MOU will help advance cooperative, mutually beneficial activities in agriculture, research and innovation, and livestock development between government and industry in both countries.
I was also pleased to address the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) on the Australian Government’s commitment to enhancing relations with Latin America and the Caribbean.
Founded in 1948, ECLAC is an important forum for the region. It has played an important role in the economic and social development of Latin America and the Caribbean, particularly the fight against poverty, protecting the environment and linking economies in the region to the global economy.
I highlighted the Australian Government’s priority to enhance our engagement with Latin America and the Caribbean.
There is an array of new and growing areas where the interests of Australia align with those of Latin America and the Caribbean. In addition to the opportunities presented to Australian business and industry, we are now cooperating on our response to climate change, trade liberalisation, nuclear non-proliferation and human rights.
This cooperation provides a much broader, deeper and stronger foundation on which to build our relationships for the future.
Media inquiries:
- Mr Smith's office 02 6277 7500
- Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555