The new Chilean Foreign Minister Alberto van Klaveren smiles as he arrives at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Santiago on March 10, 2023. (PHOTO / AFP)

BEIJING - Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang has sent congratulations to Chilean Foreign Minister Alberto van Klaveren on assuming office.

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In his congratulatory message dated March 15, Qin said that Chile is the first South American country to establish diplomatic relations with China. In the 53 years since, the relations between the two countries have maintained healthy and stable development.

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Noting that China attaches great importance to developing China-Chile relations, Qin said he is ready to work with van Klaveren to implement the important consensus of the two heads of state, strengthen exchanges and cooperation between the two foreign ministries, and push China-Chile comprehensive strategic partnership to new heights.