U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Wendy Sherman traveled to Santiago, Chile recently to launch a new high-level political and economic dialogue between Chile and the United States.
Your browser doesn’t support HTML5
Chile: A Strong Partner
“Our two countries today have much in common,” she said, “including a strong commitment to democratic practices, mutually beneficial economic connections, membership in the UN Security Council, and experience working in collaboration with a range of partners both within our hemisphere and across the Pacific.”
Under Secretary Sherman emphasized both countries’ willingness to promote a more equitable and just world. She highlighted collaborative efforts to bring prosperity to the hemisphere, including through a ten-year bilateral Free Trade Agreement; President Barack Obama’s Small Business Network of the Americas, which will help to expand the middle class in Chile and around the region; and the forthcoming Trans-Pacific Partnership, which seeks to expand economic opportunities and support prosperity globally. Also, in meeting with women entrepreneurs from the WEAmericas Network, Under Secretary Sherman noted that “Chile has been a true leader in expanding opportunities for women.”
The United States and Chile are also united in their efforts to promote the sale and use of sustainable energy and to protect the environment. To this end, Chile has supported the Connecting the Americans 2022 program initiated by the United States and Colombia to help connect electrical grids throughout Latin America. And Chile will host next year’s “Our Ocean Conference.”
Chile has been an active proponent of President Obama’s 100,000 Strong in the Americas initiative, which seeks to increase international educational exchanges between the United States and the region.
Finally, Under Secretary Sherman expressed appreciation for Chile’s leadership on critical global issues. For example, Chile provides troops for U.N. Peacekeeping missions and serves as a member of the United Nations Security Council.
“Your history of overcoming repression and building sturdy democratic institutions has enabled your country to become one of the globe’s most credible and influential voices in support of human rights, civil society and the rule of law.” said Under Secretary Sherman. “People everywhere will benefit from what you have to say about the costs of dictatorship, the need for accountability, and the importance of respecting the dignity of every human being.”
“The United States is proud,” said Under Secretary Sherman,” to consider Chile not only a reliable partner, but also a trusted and deeply-cherished friend.”