Chilean Foreign Minister Alfredo Moreno Charme visited Korea on April 28-29 and paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Chung Un-chan on April 28. The Chilean Foreign Minister and the Prime Minister exchanged views on major issues between Korea and Chile, including the Korea-Chile FTA and cooperation in trade, investment and Antarctica-related matters.

On April 29, a meeting was held between Foreign Ministers Yu Myung-hwan and Moreno for an in-depth discussion on ways to bolster the Korea-Chile FTA; and substantive cooperation in resources, energy, defense industry and Antarctica.

The two sides expressed satisfaction with close cooperation between Korea and Chile based on mutual understanding and trust since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1962. Further, they voiced satisfaction with the noteworthy development of bilateral ties in economy, trade and various other fields attributable to the effectuation of the bilateral FTA in 2004.

Noting that the FTA, which has been in effect for six years, has brought big benefits to the peoples of the two countries, the two sides agreed to consult on ways to further advance the FTA in a way that serves the interests of both countries.

Stressing that growing participation of Korean firms in Chile’s resources, energy and infrastructure fields has generated substantive benefits for both countries, Foreign Minister Yu asked the Chilean side to cooperate more closely in defense industry and Antarctic exploration. Also, he expressed hope for an early conclusion of a social security agreement in a bid to promote investment between the two countries.

Minister Moreno mentioned that in the breakfast meeting with Korean business people on April 29, he elaborated on post-earthquake reconstruction projects and requested active participation of Korean companies.

Minister Yu touched upon the Korean government’s plan to donate a statue in commemoration of the 200th anniversary of Chile’s independence, followed by a request for Chile’s participation in the Expo 2012 in Yeosu.

Minister Yu explained the Korean government’s two-track approach on the North Korean nuclear issue, which calls for efforts for dialogue with North Korea and implementation of the UN Security Council sanctions. Minister Moreno replied that the Chilean government, which complies with the US policy toward "a world without nuclear weapons," supports Korea’s policy on North Korea.

The relationship between Korea and Chile, a country rich in key resources, such as copper, lithium and molybdenum, and an advanced Latin American country in environment-friendly agriculture and fisheries, information and communication technologies and other industry fields, developed into a comprehensive partnership with the effectuation of the Korea-Chile FTA in 2004. Minister Moreno’s visit to Korea is expected to help further strengthen both the relationship with Chile’s new government and partnership in a variety of sectors.