Chile and New Zealand Foreign Ministers sign cooperation agreements on environment and trade

As part of President Sebastián Piñera's state visit to New Zealand, Foreign Minister Roberto Ampuero signed four cooperation agreements with New Zealand.

Among the agreements signed between the two countries there is one on the conservation of seabirds, another on Antarctic cooperation, and a strategic agricultural initiative, which were signed by New Zealand's Chancellor, Wiston Peters.

In addition, Chancellor Ampuero and New Zealand Trade Minister David Parker signed an agreement on cooperation on non-tariff barriers.

The signing of these initiatives followed a meeting between the Head of State and the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern.

After signing these agreements, Chancellor Ampuero recalled that "Chile and New Zealand are natural partners, we share common visions such as respect for freedom, democracy, human rights, women and indigenous peoples, the environment and free trade".

In this context, he highlighted "New Zealand's support to our country as host of the next APEC leaders' summit to be held in Chile next year. Undoubtedly, this visit by President Sebastian Piñera, as well as the signing of these agreements will further strengthen the ties that bind our nations, as well as improve people's lives and care for our environment".

In addition, during the visit, the Secretary of State participated in a roundtable discussion with New Zealand Trade Minister David Parker and CEOs of major New Zealand companies with links in Chile. He then headed to the Military Museum, where President Sebastián Piñera deposited a floral offering in front of the Memorial to the Fallen. Later, Minister Ampuero and the President participated in a meeting with New Zealand Governor General Patsy Reddy.