Van Klaveren is visiting the Philippines to strengthen bilateral relations and explore new ties of mutual cooperation.

Before his meeting with the president, the head of Chilean diplomacy met with his counterpart, Enrique Manalo, with whom he discussed issues like trade, investments, disaster risk management, and agricultural, maritime and tourism collaboration.

The ministers also agreed to promote exchanges in the fields of biodiversity, renewable energy, education and creative industries, the press release noted.

Hours earlier, van Klaveren and Philippine Secretary of Trade and Industry Cristina Roque announced the start of negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.

The head of Chilean diplomacy said that deepening trade relations offers broad opportunities for both countries, including the possibility of addressing tariff and non-tariff barriers to increase trade.

Chile and the Philippines established diplomatic relations in 1947; however, as far back as 1819, then Supreme Director Bernardo O’Higgins created a fleet to trade with Manila, China, India and Southeast Asia.

In 1999, the two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Consultations and Cooperation.

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