President of Croatia makes official visit to Chile to commemorate the start of diplomatic relations between the two countries

The President of Croatia, Zoran Milanović began his official visit to Chile today. He started by holding a meeting with President Gabriel Boric, who received him at La Moneda Palace. 

President Milanović is visiting Chile to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Chile’s recognition of Croatia’s independence, and the consequent establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. 

The President of Croatia emphasized the important ties of friendship that unite our countries, and did not fail to recall the Croatian heritage of President Boric. 

“I am visiting Gabriel Boric first as President of Chile, but also as the descendant of Croatians. Chile was one of the first countries to recognize Croatia 30 years ago, and I remember very well how correctly she behaved towards our country,” President Milanović stated. 

“From a European perspective, because of the way she works and because of her traditions, especially in the last 30 years, Chile is a country with a European mentality. I would like to thank you for this beautiful welcome and I hope that we continue holding meetings and conversations. I am glad to be able to visit Punta Arenas, which is the city where President Boric was born,” the Croatian President indicated. 

President Boric recognized, “these three decades have been marked by fluid dialogue, both bilateral and multilateral, where Chileans and Croatians have deepened our ties and strengthened our convergences. Today, we have agreements in areas as diverse as culture, scientific research, investment promotion and protection, double taxation and tourism, and we continue to explore new areas in a world of permanent change.” 

“The community of Croatian heritage in Chile is around 300,000 people, including immigrants and their descendants, which makes it the second largest in South America. It is a prosperous community, which stands out in all areas, contributing to the future of our country,” he added. 

President Boric presented President Milanović with the highest honor granted by Chile to a foreigner – the Order of Bernardo O’Higgins: First Class – in recognition of his contribution to broadening and enriching the bilateral relationship. 

President Milanović will continue his schedule tomorrow by visiting the city of Punta Arenas, where Chile’s largest Croatian community is found.