The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Heraldo Muñoz, called for calm in front of the decision made last Thursday by the British citizens, who endorsed through a referendum the decision to exit the European Union.
"Let us not jump to conclusions. This is a complex matter. A cautious approach is needed." He affirmed. The secretary of state explained that the departure of the United Kingdom from the European Union it is not effective immediately, because it will take at least a two-year period since the departure is notified, according to the Article n. 50 of the Treaty of Lisbon. "There needs to be calm and the proper caution regarding this occurrence which has certainly caused nervousness in the international markets".
Regarding the implications that the decision made by the United Kingdom could have in the bilateral relation, the Minister recalled that most part of our exports to their nations are not cooper products, but mainly wine and agricultural products. "Chile has a healthy economy and a mere 1% of our exports go to the United Kingdom, so let us keep proportions of what this represents for our country", he specified.
Furthermore, the Foreign Minister made a positive balance of his visit to Cuba, alongside President Michelle Bachelet, to witness the signing of the cease fire between Colombian Government and the FARC with which put an end to 52 years of hostilities. "Chile, the President, all of the authorities, and I am sure that the Chilean people, are all extremely pleased to have contributed in an important way to achieve this peace agreement".
The Minister valued the part that Chile played as a chaperone country throughout the dialogue process and reaffirmed that President Bachelet has committed to have the country be present during the post-conflict. "Chile will be present in the Political Mission of Observation that will soon unfold in Colombia. There will be unarmed militaries that will be there under the United Nations context to observe and verify the cease fire" he affirmed.
The Foreign Minister added that Chile will also be able to contribute in other areas, such as "with our experience in matters of transition justice and with the demining as well, which is one of the challenges that Colombia will have to face".