Diplomatic ties between The Bahamas and the Republic of Chile are expected
to strengthen under the provisions of the Economic Partnership Agreement with
the European Union, according to Bahamian Governor General, Arthur Hanna, who
officially welcomed Chile’s new Ambassador to The Bahamas last week.
The Governor General accepted the Credentials presented by His Excellency Alfredo
Garcia Castelblanco, Ambassador of the Republic of Chile, during a ceremony in
the Drawing Room at Government House.
"You have pledged to strengthen Bahamas/Chile bilateral relations and
ties, thereby taking them to a higher level of understanding and cooperation.
Your country’s exemplary economic performance demonstrates capacity in
this regard," Mr Hanna commented.
The Bahamas and Chile established diplomatic relations on 4th December, 1990.
Since then, there have been bilateral exchanges in the areas of language
training programmes, trade negotiations and courses offered by the Diplomatic
Academy of Chile.
Mr Hanna went on to add:
"The Bahamas takes pride in the fact that the longstanding relations with
the Republic of Chile are reflected in meaningful interaction within the international
arena and the result of the strong commitment of both our countries to the principles and
ideals of multilateralism."
"This is especially as they are defined in the context of the purposes
and principles of the United Nations Charter and their application in the priority
indicative areas of peace and security, economic and social developments, human
rights and climate change.".
Hanna added that The Bahamas also views the negotiations of the new Economic
Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the European Union as likely to ensure gains based on
mutual benefit, particularly given the challenging global economic environment
that exists:
"Your country has been unquestionably a leader in maximising multilateralism
for national benefit. This success has been lauded and recorded by no less than
the international monetary fund (IMF) and World Bank," he told the Chilean ambassador.
The Governor General went on to recognise Chile for contributing to The Bahamas’ human
resources training for national development.
“There is scope for significant mutual benefit between the extensive
fishing industry and vibrant financial sector which characterise both our economies,"
Hanna observed.
According to Ambassador Castelblanco, the new EPA with the European Union offers renewed opportunities
for investment and growth to the Bahamian economy.
"This vibrant and highly developed service economy that has been classified
with the third highest per capita income in this hemisphere after the United
States and Canada, will be further strengthened by the EPA, allowing new levels
of competitiveness that at its time will enable the development of a strong
social agenda bringing higher levels of well being to the Bahamian people,"
he suggested.
Ambassador Castelblanco also mentioned that Chile is seeking to discuss a free trade
agreement between Chile and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
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