By Lee Jon-young

National Assembly Speaker Kim Jin-pyo met with Chilean Ambassador to Korea Mathias Francke on Nov. 10. From November 11 to 22, Kim will officially visit three countries, Mexico, Chile, and Indonesia, for 12 days, to make a last-ditch effort to attract the 2030 Busan World Expo. 

In Chile, Kim will meet with the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate to request support for the 2030 Busan Expo, strengthen supply chain cooperation, including lithium, a key mineral for battery cathodes, and discuss ways to expand into the green energy sector, including photovoltaics, to solidify mutually beneficial partnerships.

"Chile was the first country in South America to recognize the government of the Republic of Korea and the first country to sign a free trade agreement with our government, making it Korea's third-largest trading partner in Latin America," said Kim. "I am pleased that our bilateral relationship has been upgraded to a 'strategic partnership' following our Prime Minister's official visit to Chile last year to mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations."

"The host country for the 2030 World Expo will be decided on the 28th of this month," Kim said, adding, "Considering the friendly and cooperative relationship between our two countries, I requested the ambassador to play a role in Chile's support for Busan."

"I highly appreciate the first defense agreement signed between the two countries for the introduction of Korean-made small tactical vehicles to the Chilean Navy," Kim said, suggesting that defense cooperation be expanded. He also requested Chile's cooperation in various other areas, including Korea's application for associate membership in the Pacific Alliance (PA), expanding Antarctic and astronomical cooperation, strengthening security in areas with a high concentration of Korean businesses (Patronato, Santiago), and expediting visas for expatriates.

"Valparaiso, where the Chilean Congress is located, is a sister city to Busan, and Busan is an important city for the embassy, with 85% of Chilean exports entering Korea through Busan Port," Ambassador Mathias Francke replied, "I understand that the position of the home country has not yet been decided, but I think it is necessary to ask them to support Korea in the second vote."

"Chile supports South Korea's candidacy for associate membership in the Pacific Alliance," said Ambassador Francke, adding that he hopes to discuss a variety of issues during Chairman Kim's visit, including increased South Korean investment in Chile, increased Chilean agricultural exports to South Korea, and expanded cooperation in the defense sector.