Foreign Affairs Minister begins international tour with emphasis on modernizing the Association Agreement with the European Union
On the first day of his tour of Europe, Foreign Affairs Minister Andrés Allamand met with the High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, in Brussels.
At the meeting, the authorities agreed on the importance of streamlining the final stage of negotiations on modernizing the Association Agreement between Chile and the European Union, scheduled for the first half of next year.
Minister Allamand explained the Chilean context following the social unrest that began on October 18, 2019 and how Chile has channeled it through its institutions, as well as the steps being taken toward drafting a new Constitution. Mr. Borrell showed regard for the process.
The Minister also emphasized the main matters that must be upheld throughout the constitutional process. Chile will continue to be a democratic republic; to respect final and enforceable rulings; and to uphold current international treaties ratified by the Chilean National Congress.
“Our meeting with the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy was positive. We discussed projections for the relationship between the EU and Chile and providing momentum for the final phase of modernizing the Association Agreement,” said Minister Allamand, who added that Borrell “communicated his high regard for Chile’s constitutional process.”
Foreign Affairs Minister Andrés Allamand also held other meetings with European Union representatives. In the morning, he met with the Commissioner for Trade, Valdis Dombrovskis, at the European Commission’s Berlaymont building. They discussed the importance of advancing negotiations to wrap up modernization of the Association Agreement in the first half of 2021.
The Minister subsequently met with the Commissioner for Energy, Kadri Simson, with whom he discussed the green hydrogen diplomacy supported by Chile, the advantages Chile has in producing the fuel of the future and its leadership to become a global research, development and production center.
Minister Allamand also met with the Commissioner on the Environment, Ocean and Fisheries, Virginijus Sinkevičius, reiterating Chile’s commitment to ocean conservation, creation of protected marine areas at the global level as well as protection of and scientific development in Antarctica.