The University of Jordan (UJ) in collaboration with the Chilean Embassy in Amman, organized an event to mark 70 year of Jordanian-Chilean diplomatic relations, attended by ambassadors, diplomats, experts, academics, and prominent Jordanian and Chilean figures.
In a recorded speech, HRH Prince El Hassan bin Talal, emphasized the historical ties between Jordan and Chile, highlighting the two nations’ shared commitment to democracy, good governance, and positive socio-economic change.
Prince El Hassan called on both countries to capitalize on their commonalities and strong relationship to expand impactful partnerships across all fields while working towards shaping a new role in building a better future for the world.
His remarks also addressed the ongoing Israeli aggression on Gaza, advocating for universal human rights and the protection of individuals as part of the human community, rooted in respect for human dignity.
Prince El Hassan drew parallels between the poet Mahmoud Darwish and the Chilean Nobel laureate poet Pablo Neruda, noting their shared dedication to defending their homelands and desire for freedom, independence, and shared values and visions.
UJ President, Prof. Nathir Obeidat, highlighted the commonalities and high values shared by Jordan and Chile, including peace, justice, and prosperity, noting that both nations’ leaders share similar perspectives on major global and international issues, particularly on accelerating efforts to address climate change.
Obeidat stressed the need to deepen relations and cooperation to tackle challenges such as limited water resources and to enhance resilience by sharing mutual interests, proposing potential collaborations on climate change and energy issues.
In the field of education, Obeidat pointed to the possibility of establishing a student exchange program focused on leadership development, civic engagement, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
He expressed hope for stronger Jordanian-Chilean relations and condemned the ongoing killings, destruction, and genocide in Gaza and Lebanon, affirming support for Palestinians’ right to live in an independent state.
Chile’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alberto van Klaveren, highlighted Jordan’s role as one of the first countries to establish embassies in South America, expressing joy in celebrating the 70th anniversary of bilateral relations, noting the shared vision of both nations in promoting international peace and security. He reaffirmed support for the Palestinian people’s right to establish an independent state on their national soil, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Head of the Americas Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Ambassador Khaled Al-Qadi, recalled King Abdullah II’s speech at Chile’s National Congress in late 2008. The King emphasized Jordan’s keenness to partnership with Chile in the present and future, referring to strong trade ties, diplomatic relations, and cultural exchanges. He also expressed pride in the contributions of Jordanian-origin migrants to Chile’s progress and noted that the Palestinian community in Chile is the largest outside the Middle East.
Al-Qadi restated the need to address challenges to global security and peace, emphasizing that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains a core and unresolved issue.
Chile’s Ambassador to Jordan, Jorge Tagle, commended King Abdullah II’s strong leadership in advancing Jordan’s prosperity, advocating for the nation’s causes, and ensuring a better future for its people while promoting global peace. He affirmed the alignment of Jordanian and Chilean positions on various international and regional issues, particularly efforts to establish a Palestinian state on its national soil, with Jerusalem as its capital.
Ambassador Tagle also praised Jordan’s reforms under King Abdullah II, which have boosted the country’s stability and attractiveness for investment, highlighting the importance of leveraging the strong political relations between Jordan and Chile to enhance economic, trade, and investment cooperation.
The ambassador underscored the need for effective collaboration, particularly in areas where Chile has extensive expertise, such as water treatment technologies, natural resource management, and scientific and academic exchange.
The event featured remarks and presentations from international relations experts and academics, emphasizing the depth and strength of Jordanian-Chilean relations and the prospects for expanding them in various fields.