Santiago 2023: A Conversation on the U.S. and Chile’s 200 Years Bilateral Relationship
Santiago 2023: A Conversation on the U.S. and Chile’s 200 Years Bilateral Relationship
The Chilean minister of foreign affairs and the U.S. ambassador to Chile discussed how the countries can build upon decades of fruitful collaboration.
Speakers:
- Alberto van Klaveren Stork, Minister of Foreign Affairs
- Bernadette M. Meehan, U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Chile
- Susan Segal, President & CEO, Americas Society/Council of the Americas
“The relationship between the U.S. and Chile is the strongest it has ever been,” said U.S. Ambassador to Chile Bernadette M. Meehan during the 2023 Latin American Cities Conferences: Santiago. In a special conversation on 200 years of bilateral relations between the United States and Chile, Meehan spoke with Chilean Minister of Foreign Affairs Alberto van Klaveren Stork and AS/COA’s Susan Segal about the special bonds between their countries.
The discussants highlighted the economic ties that bind the countries—especially through the 20 year old free trade agreement they share. But they also mentioned the two country’s commitments to human rights and democracy as critical. “That is the basis of our relationship and something that is also shared in different sectors of our country,” said van Klaveren. He and Meehan highlighted the many ways that commitment has led to flourishing partnerships, such as the first Fulbright program in Latin America and U.S. investment helping to finance Chile’s first railroad.
Innovation was an area singled out as having great potential for collaboration. “Chile has been exceptional in leading innovation in a number of really important areas for the world: the development of green hydrogen, solar and wind power, combatting climate change, environmental preservation, Ambassador Meehan explained. “These are opportunities for collaboration.
