Chile y China comienzan nueva fase de cooperación antártica (inglés)

The Polar Research Institute of China (PRIC) and the Chilean Antarctic Institute (INACH) signed today a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation between Chile and China and further enhancing the development of their respective scientific programs through the efficient management of resources and the minimization of the impact of scientific activities in the Antarctic environment.

The ceremony was attended by Liu Yandong, State Councilor of the People’s Republic of China and a prominent minister-level delegation from that country. The MoU was signed by Yang Huigen, Director General of the Polar Research Institute of China and José Retamales, National Director of INACH, who also presented the National Antarctic Science Program for 2011 to the Asian high officials.

Liu Yandong expressed her satisfaction over this agreement, which according to the Chinese State Councilor opens a new phase in the relations between her country and Chile on Antarctic matters: “A magical land that needs international cooperation for its protection,” she said. Retamales, in turn, affirmed that he was “honored by the presence of the Councilor and the prospects for cooperation that are foreseen, taking into account that there are two neighboring Antarctic Programs in King George Island and they have a long relationship of over 20 years of joint work in the Antarctic Peninsula region.

Tomorrow, December 25, State Councilor Lui will travel to King George Island where she will visit the Chinese “Great Wall” station, which is located a few miles from the Chilean “Frei” and “Escudero” stations.

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