Yesterday, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Heraldo Muñoz, expressed on behalf of the Government of Chile their satisfaction at the reopening of embassies between the U.S. and Cuba. “I would like, on such an important day for the United States and Cuba, to congratulate both governments for the full restoration of diplomatic relations and the opening of the respective headquarters in both countries after 54 years without diplomatic ties and without resident embassies,” he said.
The Foreign Minister remarked that this is “a historic event” which is not only positive for both countries, but for the entire region. “The last remnants of the Cold War are beginning to fade,” he said, adding that he expects the path reopened today will continue. “Hopefully the embargo affecting Cuba is lifted and that these relationships and the opening of embassies will resolve the outstanding issues between the two countries,” he emphasized.
“This is a new moment in history and I think both governments are to be congratulated,” said the Secretary of State. “It is always good to have diplomatic relations, and even when about the differences between countries, diplomatic dialogue is always positive,” he said.
Foreign Minister Muñoz also said that the reopening of embassies is not going to cause any big changes in the relationship between Chile and Cuba, as the two countries have always had normal relations, but he did mention that it helps make the relationship deeper. “The lifting of some sanctions will facilitate bilateral ties, especially in trade and investment matters,” he concluded.