Minister of Foreign Affairs, Heraldo Muñoz, accompanied President Michelle Bachelet in the framework of her official visit to Italy.
In the morning, the Foreign Minister participated in the ceremony in which President Bachelet, along with the Mayor of Rome, Ignazio Marino, unveiled a plaque in memory of the Democratic Chile Association (Asociación "Chile Democrático"), an organization that coordinated the international aid sent to victims of the Chilean dictatorship.
On the occasion, a tribute was also made to former Vice-President of Chile, Bernardo Leighton, and his wife, Anita Fresno, who were victims of an attack at their home in Rome in 1978. Among those attending the ceremony were former Italian president, Giorgio Napolitano, and Senator Gilberto Bonalumi, who gave support for Chilean exiles living in Italy. Also at the ceremony were Ambassador of Chile to Italy, Fernando Ayala, and parliamentary members of the Chilean delegation.
Later, Foreign Minister Heraldo Muñoz together with President Michelle Bachelet went to the Testaccio Market. There, the musical group Inti-Illimani Histórico gave the original score of the song bearing the same name as the market and composed by Horacio Salinas, to a representative of that market.
At noon in Rome, President Bachelet, accompanied by Minister Muñoz, held a meeting with the President of the Republic of Italy, Sergio Mattarella, at Quirinale Palace. Subsequently, she met with the President of the Council of Ministers of the Italian Republic, Matteo Renzi, at Palazzo Chigi.
Later, the presidential motorcade travelled to Madama Palace, where the Chilean Head of State met with President of the Italian Senate, Pietro Grasso. The first day of activities on the European tour culminated at Montecitorio Palace, where President Bachelet held a meeting with the President of the Chamber of Deputies of Italy, Laura Boldrini, and ended the day with a meeting with Italian women parliamentarians.
Visit to the Holy See
Tomorrow, Foreign Minister Heraldo Muñoz will accompany President Bachelet to the Vatican. In the private library of the Apostolic Palace, the President will meet with Pope Francis.
Also participating in a meeting are Chilean Senate President, Patricio Walker; President of the Supreme Court, Sergio Muñoz; President of the Chamber of Deputies, Marco Antonio Nuñez; Ambassador of Chile to the Vatican, Mónica Jiménez; Senator Francisco Chahuán; Senator Isabel Allende; Senator Juan Antonio Coloma; Ambassador and Head of Protocol at the Foreign Minsitry, Gloria Navarrete; President of the National Society of Mining, Alberto Salas; President of CUT, Bárbara Figueroa; President of 'América Solidaria,' Benito Baranda; and master Mapuche craftsman, Antonio Paillafil.
Later, President Bachelet will meet with the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and the Secretary for Relations with States, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher.