SANTIAGO – Chile and Trinidad & Tobago have pledged to grow and deepen relations in the area of trade, technical cooperation, energy and culture.
Chilean President Michelle Bachelet outlined why the visit of Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley was important to her nation while addressing delegations from both countries at La Moneda presidential palace in the capital Santiago earlier this week.
“Trinidad and Tobago is a very important partner for us in energy matters as our main supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and that’s why, also, Prime Minister (Dr. Keith) Rowley and his delegation are going to visit the Quintero LNG processing terminal in the Valparaiso region, and also the photovoltaic (solar energy) plant, El Boco (3.8 megawatt), in Quillota.
“In fact, on Friday, I was in Mejillones, in the north, at the opening of a plant for large-scale mining – the largest of its kind – which will reduce its carbon footprint precisely by using natural gas, your (T&T) natural gas!” the president said pointing with both hands to the T&T delegation.
2017 marks 50 years of bilateral relations between Trinidad and Tobago and Chile.
In relation to trade it was highlighted that Trinidad and Tobago supplies 92 per cent of Chile’s LNG imports valued at approximately USD$650 million while Trinidad and Tobago accounts for 38 per cent of exports from Chile to CARICOM.
The government explained that Trinidad and Tobago remains focused on maintaining its position as a main supplier for fertilizer and other agri-products to Chile.
The commitment is indicated in a media release from the Office of the Prime Minister.
It outlined the outcome of discussions between PM Rowley and his delegation on day one of his two day official visit to Chile.
The statement added that Chile has embraced solar energy and other forms of renewable energy and as such Trinidad and Tobago is hoping to learn from Chile so as to assist in reducing it carbon footprint.
Dr. Rowley also highlighted Trinidad and Tobago as a prime tourist destination for the people of Chile.
President Bachelet also expressed satisfaction with the level and importance of technical cooperation between the two countries and Trinidad and Tobago’s participation in programmes developed by Chilean agencies such as the Chilean Agency for International Cooperation for Development as well as collaborative efforts between the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management in Trinidad and Tobago, the Caribbean Disaster Management Agency and the Academy of Fire Fighters in Chile.
In the area of culture the two leaders expressed an interest in learning and appreciating each other’s language and culture.
