First SVG non-resident ambassador accredited to Republic of Chile

Andreas Wickham, St Vincent and the Grenadines’ (SVG) Ambassador to Venezuela has been accredited as the non-resident Ambassador of SVG to the Republic of Chile.

On Tuesday, February 24, 2015, Ambassador Wickham presented his Letters of {{more}}Credence to Michelle Bachelet, President of the Republic of Chile, making him SVG’s first non-resident Ambassador to be accredited to that South American country since diplomatic relations was established on August 16, 1990.

The ceremony, which took place at the Presidential Palace in Santiago, Chile, was witnessed by Chile’s Foreign Minister Heraldo Muñoz.

Over the 24 years since establishing formal relations, both countries have cooperated in a number of areas of mutual interest, such as education and health. To this end, a bilateral scientific and technical cooperation agreement was concluded between both sides in 2012. Presently, negotiations are taking place between SVG and Chile to finalize an Air Transportation Agreement, which would enhance air travel and further opportunities in terms of investments, as nationals of both countries enjoy the benefit of travelling to and from each other’s territory without the hassle of obtaining a visa for a period not exceeding 90 days.

“The accrediation of Ambassador Wickham to the South American nation, is testimony of the Government’s strategic and pragmatic approach in its foreign policy to reignite dormant relationships with developing countries and to promote South-South cooperation,” a release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

SVG and Chile are members of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and the Organization of American States (OAS).

Following the official ceremony, Ambassador Wickham met with officials within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including Michael Grasty, Honorary Consul of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in Chile, and had discussions on a number of areas, such as tourism, education, training and energy.