LONDON, March 17 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news:

My first visit to Chile as a Minister at the British Foreign Officebringsme toSantiago forthe inauguration of President Jose Antonio Kast-a ceremony of great democratic spirit, and an opportunity for me toreflectonthe relationship between our nations: one that isfounded on shared values, but, crucially, that lookstowards the future.

Our relationship is built ona foundation of mutuallyopen economies-with asharedfocus on economic growth.Chile is the one of the UK's most important trading partners in Latin America, with a total trade in goods and services worth £2.2 billion in the four quarters to the end of Q3 2025. With the United Kingdom's accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) in 2024, we became members of a blocrepresenting15% of global GDP, of which Chile has been a part since 2023. Together, we are well placed to make the most of the tradingopportunities this agreement offers.

The relationship between our two nations is also shaped by a shared understanding that economic growth goes hand in hand witha focus onenvironmental conservation and sustainability. The United Kingdom and Chile work together in areas of mutual interest, such as upholding high ESG standards in the critical minerals industry, essential to the energy transition, and driving the development of new clean energy sources. These collaborations are central to our collective future.

Chile's extraordinary range of natural resources and the United Kingdom'sexpertisein mining and energy make us natural partners. For instance, with the signing of two agreements in January, the British Geological Survey (BGS)establishednew partnerships with the National Geology and Mining Service (Sernageomin) and the National Lithium and Salt Flats Institute (InLiSa). These agreements will allow us to continue promoting the exchange ofcutting-edgeinformation and technology, helping to develop advanced methodologies for the sustainable exploration and extraction of minerals, and attracting investment to the sector.

Another of themost promising areasfor ourcollaboration is the development of the naval shipbuilding industry. Chile's National Shipbuilding Policy reflects genuineambition,and the United Kingdom has relevant experience to support in this area. In Scotland, investment in the shipbuilding industry has helped revitalise coastal communities, creating quality jobs, drivinginnovationand bringing together universities, industry, and government around a common purpose.

The Biobio region in Chile presents a remarkably similar opportunity. As communitiesseekto reinvent themselves, shipbuilding offers a pathway to sustainable economic development. We want to walk that path alongside Chile, sharing our knowledge and working together to transform industrial heritage into industrial renewal.

Scientific collaborationis another significant area of our partnership -from astronomy to the protection of oceans and the study of climate change. Furthermore, Chile's role as a gateway to Antarctica makes it a strategic partner. The collaboration between the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) and the Chilean Antarctic Institute (INACH) has deep historical roots that go beyond scientific research; it also plays an important geopolitical role focused on the protection of the white continent.

The start of a new government in Chile is a natural moment to reflect on what this partnershiprepresentsand where it can go. At its heart, it is a relationship between two nations that believe in democracy, openeconomiesand the role of science.

The future of our relationship will continue to be built on these foundations. My visit to Chilehas onlystrengthened my belief inthe extraordinary potential of thepartnershipbetween the United Kingdom and Chile, and I reiterate my congratulations to the new administration.

Further information

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