Chile

After a period when political relations were frozen during the dictatorship, high-level contacts have been re-established since 1989. Today, they are very steady.

After the earthquake on 27 February, a French mission offering scientific, technical and humanitarian assistance was sent to Chile on 3 March. Following the Chilean government’s request, France gave Chile 1.2 million doses of Sanofi Aventis H1N1 influenza A vaccine. This donation represents €8.1 million.
France - Chile: President Chirac made a State visit to Santiago in May 2006. The French President and President Piñera met alongside the summit on nuclear security in Washington (12-13 April 2010) and alongside the European Union - Latin American and Caribbean Summit in Madrid (17-18 May).

Ms.Anne-Marie Idrac headed a business mission to Chile from 20 to 22 July 2010. Ms.Christine Lagarde, Minister of the Economy, Industry and Employment, represented France at the investiture of Mr.Piñera on 11 March 2010.

Chile - France: The Chilean President made an official visit to France from 19 to 21 October 2010. The two presidents adopted a joint political statement that formalizes a roadmap for the development of bilateral relations, in order to achieve a “strategic partnership”. The French President received Mr.Piñera, who at the time was a candidate for the Chilean Presidency, on 29 June 2009.

President Michelle Bachelet made an official visit to France in May 2009. President Chirac received President Lagos in Paris in April 2001 and January 2004.

Finance MinisterFelipe Larraín met with Ms.Lagarde on 6 January 2011. Foreign Relations MinisterAlfredo Moreno met with the Minister of State on 8 December 2010. The political dialogue is very steady, specifically in the context of Chile’s close association with the French Presidency’s preparation of the G20. Moreover, Chile is a historic partner to France in terms of innovative development financing (it chaired the pilot group on innovative development financing in 2010, after France).

Updated on 02.02.11