Chile celebrates Navy Day

Captain Claudio Maldonado, Chilean defense attache to the Embassy of Chile, speaks at a reception to mark Chilean Navy Day at Grand Hyatt Seoul on May 23. / Courtesy of the Embassy of Chile

By Rachel Lee

Chile and Korea have taken significant steps in defense since the Chilean Defense Attache Office reopened last year, says Captain Claudio Maldonado.

At a reception to mark Chilean Navy Day that falls on May 21, Maldonado, Chilean Defense Attache to the Embassy of Chile, said he believed the two nations were moving in the right direction in strengthening ties.

He said the two signed an agreement on defense and logistics cooperation during President Park Geun-hye’s visit to Chile in April 2015 and when the Commander in Chief of the Chilean Navy came to Seoul last September.

“Through the permanent exchange of officers of the Army and Navy, the two countries have been strengthening military relations,” Maldonado said.

In September, the Chilean Navy training ship “Esmeralda” will visit Busan for the first time in eight years.

“All the above are clear signs of friendship, cooperation and mutual support,” Maldonado said.

He also stressed the importance of Korea and the Asian region to his country not only in defense, but in other fields.

“More than 50 percent of the Chilean trade has been developed in the Asian region,” he said.