Chile Sets Course for Cuba with Delegation Led by Foreign Minister

Chile will set course this week for Cuba with a high-level delegation led by Foreign Minister, Heraldo Munoz, with the aim of strengthening bilateral ties. According to official sources, Muñoz, who was one of the first foreign ministers to applaud the reopening of embassies in Cuba and the United States recently, expressed the Chilean interest to also sound out new business opportunities.

Questioned by Prensa Latina about the possible impact of this event in the ties between Cuba and Chile, the diplomat said then that while nothing changes dramatically, it will help strengthening bilateral relations.

"Our country has always had normal and increasing ties in all areas, but undoubtedly obstacles that will give greater fluidity to trade and investments disappear now," he said.

In this regard, the foreign minister will remain on the Caribbean island from September 2 to 5 accompanied by Andres Rebolledo, director general of International Economic Relations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Direcon).

About 35 companies and trade organizations will be also part of the delegation that on the side of businessmen is led by Hermann von Mühlenbrock, president of the Society for Industrial Development (Sofofa).

The Chilean diplomacy head told Prensa Latina few weeks ago that before Havana and Washington announced in December the resumption of diplomatic ties, his country had already got closer to Cuba.

Chile sent to Cuba a large delegation boosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for further agreements in November 2014, Muñoz noted.