Greek Diplomatic Life Official Site
Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs of Chile, Gloria de la Fuente, led the Fifth Meeting of Political Consultations, together with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic, Ambassador Alexandra Papadopoulou, in Athens recently.
On the occasion, the authorities discussed the general overview of political and trade relations, as well as opportunities for cooperation in the fields of energy and science. They also discussed ways to increase cultural cooperation within the framework of the current Memorandum of Understanding between the two nations.
On the global stage, they discussed the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean, the Middle East and the war in Ukraine. Regarding regional issues, they discussed the regional integration of Latin America and the Caribbean and its ties to the European Union, with a view to the upcoming CELAC-EU Summit to be held in Colombia.
In the multilateral arena, they discussed Greece’s role as a non-permanent Member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2025-2026 period and Valparaíso’s bid to host the Executive Secretariat of the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdictions (BBNJ).
In addition, they also analysed the legislative ratification process of the Advanced Framework Agreement (AMA), which will open up new opportunities for collaboration between the two countries.
Subsequently, Undersecretary Gloria de la Fuente and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Alexandra Papadopoulou signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Gender Equality. The agreement seeks to strengthen both countries’ collaboration in promoting gender equality, both bilaterally and multilaterally.
High-Level Meeting on Best Practices for Promoting Gender Equality
On the following day, both Foreign Ministry dignitaries participated in a high-level meeting with officials from the various Greek Ministries implementing the Gender Equality Law in Greece, with the aim of exchanging knowledge on the initiatives being implemented in both countries.
At the meeting, the Undersecretary presented her experience in the design and implementation of Chile’s Feminist Foreign Policy (FFP). “A Feminist Foreign Policy that ratifies and reinforces Chile’s commitment to promoting democracy and defending human rights, a hallmark of our identity in the Southern Hemisphere and on issues on the global agenda,” she stated.
Regarding the PEF strategy, the authority detailed the main achievements of this policy, just over a year after its implementation, highlighting participation in multilateral organisations and international trade institutions, as well as in the bilateral and consular agenda. She also highlighted the internal implementation of this policy, noting that it is being implemented at all levels within the institutional structure of the Chilean Foreign Ministry, in all dependent areas and agencies, as well as in the institutional culture.
Hellenic Parliament Visit
The programme for Undersecretary Gloria de la Fuente’s official visit to Greece included a Working Meeting with the Greece-Chile Interparliamentary Friendship Group, chaired by MP Maria-Nefeli Chatziioannidou, at the headquarters of the Hellenic Parliament. The authorities focused their discussion on the common approach shared by Chile and Greece, as well as their shared values, namely, unrestricted respect for international law – with emphasis on the Law of the Sea – a commitment to democracy and human rights, a shared commitment to multilateralism and the importance both countries attach to increasing bilateral trade.
The Greek parliamentarian recalled that her country is an Observer Country of the Pacific Alliance and expressed her gratitude for its support for the initiative aimed at recovering the Parthenon friezes. They also discussed Chile’s feminist foreign policy and Greece’s ratification of the BBJN Treaty. Coinciding with the Undersecretary’s visit, the imminent ratification of the aforementioned agreement was announced, making the country the third EU member to do so and the 22nd globally. Within this context, the Undersecretary elaborated on Valparaíso’s candidacy to host the BBJN Executive Secretariat.
Regarding the progress of the ratification of the Advanced Framework Agreement between Chile and the European Union, MP Chatziioannidou pledged to work with the Executive Branch to ensure its prompt submission to the Hellenic Parliament, with a view to processing it as expeditiously as possible.
Ambassador hosts reception
In honour of the visiting Chilean dignitary, Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs, Gloria de la Fuente, Ambassador and Mrs. Juan Manuel Pino Vasquez hosted a delightful and warm reception at their official Residence which was attended by a number of Greek officials and foreign Ambassadors. Guest of Honour was Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic, Ambassador Alexandra Papadopoulou.
