MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

King Juan Carlos invited to Antarctica

Chile has extended an official invitation to Spain's King Juan Carlos to tour Chilean Antarctic stations and visit the different scientific research programs.

Chilean Defence Minister, Michelle Bachelet, currently in Spain made the announcement after meeting with her Spanish counterpart Federico Trillo.

"Chile will be most pleased to host His Majesty Juan Carlos in Antarctica. His interest in scientific research and new frontiers is world known", indicated Ms. Bachelet.

Both Ministers also agreed the formation of a Joint Committee to explore areas of common interest such as organization, industrial activities, weapons and communications development and closer ties between both countries Armed Forces.

Ms. Bechelet and Mr. Trillo anticipated Chile and Spain would be jointly collaborating in international peace keeping and humanitarian missions, plus the possibility of organizing an Ibero-american quick deployment Brigade under the command of the United Nations.

"I haven't come to Spain with a shopping list, only to confirm our excellent relations at defence level and industrial cooperation", indicated Ms. Bechelet.

Spain is currently building two Scorpone Class submarines with French technology for the Chilean Navy, and has a cooperation agreement at air industry level between the Spanish company CASA and Chile's ENAR.

"Our Armed Forces have the same objectives, peace and international solidarity in the framework of United Nations, besides we have complementary industrial defence capacities and forces with a magnificent historic understanding and common training", said Spain's Defence Minister Mr. Trillo.

Ms. Bechelet added that regarding international operations, Chile has a long experience working with other forces in peace keeping missions, and a special training center for UN international operations.