Chile seeks to improve ties with Jordan — ambassador

AMMAN — Chilean Ambassador to Jordan Eduardo Escobar said on Tuesday that his country seeks to improve ties with Jordan in various fields, particularly trade.

Currently, the volume of trade between the two countries ranges at around $7-8 million; Chile exports mostly chemical and agricultural products to Jordan, and imports textiles, the diplomat told The Jordan Times.

Jordan already receives Chilean products indirectly from regional countries, such as the United Arab Emirates, but can also operate as a hub to re-export such products, he said.

The ambassador praised the “strong political ties” between the two countries and said he will also work to boost cooperation in the cultural and academic fields.

The fact that around 5 per cent of the population of Chile is of Arab origin can also contribute to boosting ties with the Arab region, in general, and Jordan, in particular, Escobar said.

Amman and Santiago established diplomatic ties in 1954, with Chilean diplomatic representation in Jordan dating back to 1956, according to the embassy’s website.

The two countries have signed several cooperation agreements and memoranda of understanding in the fields of culture, mobility, transport, tourism, public works and investments.