The third round of Kazakh-Chilean political consultations took place in Santiago

Santiago, August 23, 2023 – The third round of Kazakh-Chilean political consultations was held in the capital of Chile under the chairmanship of the First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Ambassador Kairat Umarov and the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Chile, Ambassador Alex Wetzel.

During the talks, the parties congratulated each other on the anniversary date – the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Kazakhstan and Chile (August 19), and also stated the confidential nature of the political dialogue achieved during this time and the availability of new opportunities for promoting a mutually beneficial partnership in the field of trade and investment.

In the light of the strengthening of the political dialogue, the importance of organizing cross visits at the high and highest levels, strengthening inter-parliamentary ties through the creation of parliamentary friendship groups in both chambers of the parliaments of the two countries was noted. The parties highly appreciated the creation last year of the Kazakhstan-Chile Friendship Society, which aimed at expanding cultural and academic exchange.

The heads of delegations briefed the meeting participants on the current aspects of the political and economic development of their countries and regions, and exchanged views on the most pressing issues on the global agenda and interaction on multilateral platforms. In this context, the importance of Kazakhstan's global initiatives in the field of non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, disarmament, the fight against terrorism, and the promotion of the use of renewable energy sources on the world stage was noted.

In the context of cooperation between the two countries within the framework of international and regional organizations and associations, the parties emphasized the prospects for developing contacts with the Pacific Alliance, one of the founders of which is Chile, as well as active interaction within the OECD. The Kazakh side thanked the Chilean partners for the permanent support of Santiago in the process of Kazakhstan's entry into this organization.

On the trade, economic and investment track of cooperation, an exchange took place regarding the work carried out in the Republic of Kazakhstan to attract foreign investors, government measures to modernize the economy and protect foreign investors. In this regard, the parties positively assessed the plans of the Chilean company «ME Elecmetal» to implement an investment project in the Republic of Kazakhstan.

During the meeting, despite the growing dynamics of mutual trade over the past two years, the participants placed special emphasis on the need to further intensify cooperation in the trade direction in accordance with export opportunities and convenient geographical (transit) location of the two countries. The agenda also included issues of visa facilitation and organization of mutual business missions. As a result of the event, an agreement was reached on organizing the next round of Kazakh-Chilean political consultations in Astana in 2024.

It should be noted that before the start of political consultations, a meeting was organized between Kairat Umarov and the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of Chile, Gloria Fuente, during which the parties exchanged congratulatory messages from the foreign ministers of the two countries on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations, as well as invitations to organize cross visits.