Chile-Jordan, 60 years of ties

Today the Republic of Chile celebrates 204 years of independence.

A distant country flanked along its long and narrow extension by the Pacific Ocean and the majestic Andes Mountains, Chile has a diverse territory that includes an arid desert, fertile valleys, green fields and woods. It extends from north to south up to the chilly Antarctic.

The country has enjoyed over two centuries of independence; we came a long way, but not without political, economic and social difficulties, and permanent tragedies brought about by the merciless force of nature due to our country’s geography.

Chileans have gradually forged unity and solidarity based on sound democratic principles, respect for human rights and tolerance for different cultures, ideologies and religions. 

They built a society that looks to the future with the legitimate desire to live in peace and equality, in a better place with more opportunities and a better quality of life. 

Our long journey towards development and consolidation of our nation benefited from the significant contribution of thousands of immigrants coming from different parts of the world and chose Chile to restart their lives and make their dreams come true.

Many of them emigrated from precisely this holy land. They fully integrated in the Chilean society with an enormous capacity to provide invaluable contribution to national progress.

Today, nearly 5 per cent of the population of Chile is of Arab origin. 

This year we have cause for another major celebration: Sixty years since for the Republic of Chile and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan established diplomatic relations that were deepened and created unbreakable bonds of friendship and cooperation.

The list of significant achievements over these decades of close understanding between our two countries in all areas of cooperation is long.

Today, as non-permanent UN Security Council members representing our regions, we both promote peace, and respect for international law and human rights.

I seize this occasion to reaffirm our strong commitment to continuing to deepen our relations in all fields to the benefit of our citizens.

The writer is ambassador of Chile to Jordan. He contributed this article to The Jordan Times.