Toronto (Canada), Nov 12 (EFE).- The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada, Mélanie Joly, travels to Chile this Tuesday before participating in the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum (APEC) summit from November 13 to 15. which is celebrated this year in Lima.
In Chile, Joly will discuss with his Chilean counterpart, Alberto van Klaveren, the strengthening of bilateral relations as well as collaboration on “common priorities” such as the fight against climate change, gender equality and “global and regional security.”
The minister will also meet with representatives of Canadian mining companies present in Chile to address “Canadian investments in critical minerals.”
During their visit, Canada and Chile plan to sign a memorandum of understanding on forest fire cooperation.
Canada and Chile have had a free trade agreement for 27 years. Since its entry into force, bilateral merchandise trade has quadrupled and in 2023 it reached 3.4 billion Canadian dollars (2,468 million US dollars).
Additionally, Chile is the second main destination for Canadian investments in South America. In 2023, Canadian direct investments in the country reached C$23 billion, especially in mining, electricity, gas, water, the chemical sector, transportation and financial services.
After his visit to Chile, Joly will travel to Lima to participate, together with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, in the APEC summit, the Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.
In Lima, Joly is scheduled to meet with Peruvian Foreign Minister Elmer Schialer.
Joly stated that the APEC summit will continue “Canada’s important work and involvement in the Indo-Pacific region as well as collaborating with other countries to respond to the pressing global problems” of today.
(c) EFE Agency
