The President of Chile, Ms Michelle Bachelet, arrived in Saint Lucia yesterday afternoon, on a scheduled official state visit to Saint Lucia.

The Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Hon Allen Chastanet, and other government officials were on hand to welcome Her Excellency Ms Michelle Bachelet to the island.

HE Ms Bachelet is the first female to hold the prestigious Office of President, in the Republic of Chile and is on her second term as president, having served from 2006 to 2010.

Saint Lucia first established diplomatic relations with the Republic of Chile in 1991 and the Government of Saint Lucia is honoured that the Chilean President is visiting the country as deeper bilateral cooperation with the Republic of Chile is sought.

The purpose of the visit is to forge closer ties with the nation, as it has been one of the fastest growing economies in Latin America. The Government of Saint Lucia therefore views this official visit as an opportunity to enhance collaboration in several areas including agriculture, education, climate change and renewable energy. The visit is also an opportunity for President Bachelet, along with some of her ministers, to engage with OECS member states in an effort to better position the region to address its priority issues. Consequently, HE Ms Bachelet engaged the OECS Heads of Government at a luncheon meeting on Aug. 25, in order realize this effort.

The President of Chile, Ms Michelle Bachelet will visit Saint Lucia from Aug 24 – 25.