The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alfredo Moreno, opened today the new headquarters of the Embassy of Chile in Italy, whose building was acquired in 2012. The ceremony was attended by the Ambassador of Chile, Óscar Godoy, high Italian authorities, representatives of the Diplomatic Corps, academics and local businesspeople.
The building, which dates back to 1920, is officially linked to the historical and architectonical heritage of Rome and is located in the residential Parioli district, where there are also shops, offices and other diplomatic seats. The renowned Italian architect Maurizio Di Stefano, who is an expert in the restoration of heritage buildings and major infrastructure, was in charge of the building's restoration, which began in 2013 and was recently completed.
In his speech, Minister Moreno underscored that through this work "we are having a leading role in a new milestone in the bilateral relations between Chile an Italy" and recalled that this period marks 150 years of political and diplomatic relations between the two countries.
On the occasion, Ambassador Stefano Roca, Chief of the Diplomatic Protocol of the Republic of Italy, and political scientist Giovanni Sartori were decorated with the Order of Bernardo O'Higgins in the rank of Grand Cross. Similarly, scholar Maria Rosaria Stabilli was decorated with the same award in the rank of Grand Officer in recognition of her merits and contribution to the strengthening of ties between Chile and Italy. "This is the right time to award three distinguished Italians, who are also friends of Chile," concluded Minister Moreno.