Press Release
12 March 2014
Minister Nkoana-Mashabane concludes Working Visit to the Republic of Chile
International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane has today, Wednesday, 12 March 2014, concluded a successful working visit to Santiago, the Republic of Chile, where she represented South Africa at the inauguration ceremonies of Chilean President Michelle Bachelet.
The Presidential inauguration ceremonies took place on 10 and 11 March 2014 in the cities of Santiago and Valparaiso, respectively.
This is President Bachelet’s second term in office after holding a first term from 2006 to 2010.
Leaders from Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Costa Rica, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Haiti, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname and Uruguay, amongst others, attended the inauguration.
In addition, Spain’s Prince Felipe, the Vice-Presidents of the United States of America and Nicaragua, as well as foreign dignitaries from Botswana, Croatia, Finland, Italy, Kenya, Namibia, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, South Africa and the United Kingdom, were among the many guests present at President Bachelet’s inauguration.
During her visit to Chile, Minister Nkoana-Mashabane met with her counterpart, the new Chilean Foreign Minister, Mr Heraldo Muñoz.
On 08 March 2014, the Minister also led the opening ceremony of the new Chancery of the South African Embassy in Santiago.
South Africa and Chile enjoy cordial and growing bilateral relations. The South Africa-Chile Joint Consultative Mechanism (JCM), established in 1998, continues to serve a constructive purpose in the ongoing political dialogue between the two countries at bilateral, regional and multilateral levels.
South Africa remains one of the largest foreign investors in the Chilean economy. South African companies regularly participate in large international mining exhibitions that take place in Chile.
For more information, please contact Mr Clayson Monyela, 082 884 5974.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION
OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
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