Chile and Canada celebrate 80 years of diplomatic relations with the launch of a postage stamp and a letter of commitment to gender equality

Chile’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Andrés Allamand, led the presentation and postmarking of a commemorative stamp this morning, which celebrates 80 years of diplomatic relations between Chile and Canada. The stamp was produced by Correos de Chile (Chile’s postal service).

“With this postage stamp, we want to reforge the excellent state of our bilateral relationship, which, since it was established in 1941, has stood out for understanding and permanent dialogue, sustained by the values, principles and visions that we have in common,” Minister Allamand stated.

He went over the milestones that have marked this relationship, highlighting the Free Trade Agreement, the first of its kind signed between Canada and a Latin American country and the first that Chile signed with an industrialized country. The agreement has made Chile the main destination for Canadian investment in South America. The minister also emphasized the shared desire of both countries to promote issues such as democracy, trade, environmental protection and gender equality.

“We are very happy to celebrate the 80-year relationship and friendship between two like-minded countries that always strive to act in the same way on the international stage,” the minister added.

Canada’s Ambassador to Chile, Michael Gort, underlined that “the bilateral relationship that Canada and Chile enjoy is deep and multifaceted.” He added that “although we are physically distant countries, we are alike in that our geographies look towards the Pacific Ocean and the two poles of the planet.”

“Our economies are endowed with vast natural resources and defined by international trade, and our national identities are enriched by our indigenous peoples and our democratic traditions, underpinned by the rule of law,” Ambassador Gort indicated.

Commitment to gender equality

Chile’s Ambassador to Canada, Raúl Fernández, also participated virtually in the event. Both embassies signed a letter of commitment to gender equality, the first of its kind to be signed with another country.

This milestone joins other actions that have already been carried out in this area. The Global Trade and Gender Agreement, which promotes inclusive trade policies and facilitates women’s access to international trade, stands out in this regard. It also reaffirms both countries’ commitment to concrete actions aimed at achieving gender equality.