Chilean officials praise 'growing, fruitful' Morocco-Chile ties

Two members of the Chilean government emphasized, on Thursday, that ties between Morocco and Chile are “increasingly solid and fruitful,” highlighting the role of culture in fostering closer ties between the two nations.

At the opening of the Moroccan Week in Chile at the La Moneda Cultural Center in Santiago, Chilean Under-Secretary of Foreign Relations, Gloria de la Fuente, said that this cultural event reflects “the bond of fraternity between Morocco and Chile,” emphasizing that “this celebration of Morocco’s colors and flavors in the heart of Santiago offers an opportunity to better understand the culture of a country that, while geographically distant, is a close friend in building a shared future.”

The Chilean official emphasized that this cultural week is particularly significant for Chileans, as it is hosted in “a venue deeply tied to Chile’s democracy and to the promotion of culture over the past decades.”

The variety of events on the program, she underscored, “also provides an opportunity to reflect on the importance of building international relations based on respect, solidarity, and mutual understanding.”

She added that the event represents “another step forward in our increasingly solid and fruitful bilateral ties,” stressing that Chile and Morocco “share fundamental values, believe in dialogue as a driver of development and understanding, and see culture as a bridge that brings nations closer together.”

She also highlighted that the event serves as a reminder that cultural diplomacy is a key tool to strengthen ties between nations. “In this context, Morocco is a country with which we share a strong friendship,” she said.

For her part, Chile’s Minister of Cultures, Carolina Arredondo Marzán, said that “ties between Morocco and Chile have deep roots, dating back to the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1961,” noting that both countries “share a common vision, materialized through several initiatives, including a framework agreement on cultural cooperation and another on craftsmanship.”

She recalled that Chile was the guest of honor at the 6th Moroccan Handicrafts Week in 2020.

Reflecting on the “Morocco Week in Chile,” she said that this event “offers a unique window into Morocco’s wealth of cultural diversity,” adding that “the La Moneda Cultural Center has been completely enveloped in Moroccan culture.”

The Minister emphasized that “culture is a powerful tool for social cohesion, sustainable development, and the consolidation of our identities, and that the Moroccan Week is a clear example of how art and tradition can bridge the gap between peoples, despite geographical distances.”