Amman: The University of Jordan, in collaboration with the Chilean Embassy in Amman, organized a celebration marking the 70th anniversary of Jordanian-Chilean diplomatic relations. The event was attended by ambassadors, diplomats, experts, academics, and distinguished Jordanian and Chilean figures.
According to Jordan News Agency, in a recorded address, His Royal Highness Prince El Hassan bin Talal highlighted the historical ties between Jordan and Chile, emphasizing the shared values of democracy, good governance, and positive socio-economic transformation. He urged both nations to capitalize on their commonalities and strong connections to expand impactful partnerships across various fields, while seeking a new role in shaping a better global future.
Prince El Hassan stressed the importance of fostering values rooted in love, peace, and democracy, encouraging dialogue and active citizenship rather than dependency. Reflecting on the Israeli aggression on Gaza, he called for the universality of human rights
and the protection of individuals as members of the global community, emphasizing the respect for human dignity.
Drawing a parallel between the late Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish and the Chilean Nobel laureate poet Pablo Neruda, Prince El Hassan highlighted their shared advocacy for homeland and their perpetual yearning for freedom and independence.
The University of Jordan’s President, Nathir Obeidat, underlined the shared values of peace, justice, and prosperity between Jordan and Chile, noting that both nations’ leaders hold similar perspectives on major global and international issues, including addressing the climate crisis. He called for deepening bilateral relations and strengthening cooperation to tackle challenges such as limited water resources and promoting resilience in addressing these issues.
Obeidat suggested a student exchange program to nurture leadership, civic engagement, and innovation among students, fostering entrepreneurial and creative skills. He expressed hope for stronger Jorda
nian-Chilean relations and emphasized the need for firm stances against the violence and destruction in Gaza and Lebanon, advocating for Palestinians’ right to an independent state.
Chilean Foreign Minister Alberto van Klaveren highlighted Jordan’s early establishment of its embassy in South America, expressing pride in celebrating the 70th anniversary of bilateral relations. He emphasized the two nations’ shared vision of promoting international peace and security and supporting Palestinians’ right to establish an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Diplomats and academics lauded Jordan’s international efforts, led by His Majesty King Abdullah II, to achieve peace and stability in the region. They acknowledged Jordan’s proactive role in halting aggression, preventing the displacement of Palestinians, and ensuring the continued delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza since the onset of the Israeli offensive.
Khaled Al-Qadi, Head of the Americas Department at the Ministry of Foreign and Expat
riate Affairs, reflected on King Abdullah II’s 2008 speech at Chile’s National Congress, where he emphasized Jordan’s commitment to a partnership with Chile. He noted the vital trade, diplomatic, and cultural ties between the two nations, expressing pride in the contributions of Jordanian expatriates to Chile’s progress.
Al-Qadi reiterated the importance of addressing global security and peace challenges, with the unresolved Palestinian-Israeli conflict at the core.
Chile’s Ambassador to Jordan, Jorge Tagle, commended King Abdullah’s leadership and steadfast dedication to Jordan’s prosperity and the defense of Arab causes. He highlighted the aligned positions of Jordan and Chile on various international and regional issues, particularly their shared commitment to the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state.
Ambassador Tagle praised Jordan’s stability and reforms under King Abdullah II, emphasizing the importance of leveraging strong political ties to enhance economic, trade, and investment cooperati
on.
He advocated for effective collaboration between the two nations, particularly in fields where Chile has extensive expertise, such as water treatment and desalination, and natural resource management, opening avenues for joint scientific and academic endeavors.
The celebration featured remote contributions from speakers who reaffirmed the strength of Jordanian-Chilean relations and explored opportunities for deeper cooperation on international issues. The event included presentations by experts and academics from both nations, emphasizing the depth, resilience, and prospects for expanding bilateral relations.