In a ceremony held at La Moneda Palace, Foreign Minister Alfredo Moreno presented the annual report of this portfolio which, unlike previous years, this time addressed not only the year that is coming to an end, but his four years in office.
In his presentation, Minister Moreno stressed that our country has handled Foreign Relations as a State Policy, respecting International Law and treaties in force; giving priority to the defense and protection of Human Rights and the strengthening of democracy. In this regard, he highlighted Chile’s election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, as well as its re-election —with the first regional majority— to the Human Rights Council, “Which speaks of a country that enjoys worldwide recognition; a respected country which has permanent and imperishable values,” he said.
The Secretary of State described Chile as a country integrated to the region, a member of CELAC, UNASUR and the Pacific Alliance. He also underscored the participation of Chilean troops in the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) and its presence as an accompanying country in the negotiations between FARC and the Colombian government.
He also emphasized the priority given to the relationship with neighboring countries over the course of his tenure, as well as the progress made in integration. According to Minister Moreno, a relationship “is built on a frank and respectful dialogue” and where “trust is built without double standards.”
Minister Moreno also noted that during his overseas trips he has witnessed how “extraordinarily admired” our country is abroad. In this regard, he said that in order to continue down this path to foreign policy development it is essential to carry on with the work already done with development poles such as the United States, China and Europe.
In terms of trade, he highlighted free trade as a promoter of greater opportunities to attain development and mentioned the new free trade agreements signed with Turkey, Vietnam, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Thailand, as well as the Partial Scope Agreement with India and the Supplementary Agreement on Investment with China. Later, he noted that the Pacific Alliance has aroused worldwide interest, with over 25 observer countries to the present date. The Pacific Alliance represents the world’s sixth economy, 50 percent of foreign trade in Latin America and 35 percent of its GDP. Minister Moreno also pointed out the scope of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), underlining that Chile cannot afford not to get involved in the process that will improve the access to markets beyond the FTAs, in which no one has stand aside but, on the contrary, new countries have joined it. The TPP represents nearly 40 percent of world GDP, 31 percent of our export destination and the source of 35 percent of our imports.
He also referred to the extension of ProChile’s field of action with the aim of attracting foreign investment and promoting tourism. In addition, he touched on the new role of AgCi in international cooperation.
In another area, Foreign Minister Alfredo Moreno also noted the importance of a State Policy for Antarctica, as well as the major achievements made in the field of astronomy development.
Finally, after referring to the high level of public approval of this portfolio, he underscored the progress made in the modernization of the Foreign Ministry through, inter alia, the appointment of 80 percent of career Ambassadors; the restructuring of embassies, missions and joint trade offices to achieve greater presence in distant and emerging areas, like Africa and Central Asia; the implementation of a new assessment regulation and a new training program in the Diplomatic Academy.