MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

HMS Dragon confirms “commitment to UK/Chile defense relationship”

Ambassador Fiona Clouder with First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir George Zambellas, and UK's Defence Attaché, Coronel Angus MacLeod.

The UK showed its commitment to the UK/Chile defense relationship by sending a Royal Naval ship and the First Sea Lord to Exponaval 2014. The Type 45 Destroyer, HMS Dragon, made its first visit to Chile since commissioning and this was an opportune time for both navies to discuss their future modernization plans and acknowledge the important historic and enduring links between the two Services.

 At the same time HMS Dragon, with the First Sea Lord onboard, laid a wreath and conducted a service of commemoration at sea to mark the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Coronel (November first, 1914).

At ExpoNaval 2014 during the first week of December, UK companies showcased a range of cutting edge technologies in the defense, security and disaster relief sectors. They also looked for opportunities for industrial partnerships and joint ventures. The UK also shared its experience in managing large defence programs. It has also recently managed the security for Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. In both sectors, the UK was happy to share its experiences and lessons learnt.

In addition the UK has extensive experience in cyber security and was looking to work with both the Chilean government and companies in the sector.

About his visit Chile, the First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir George Zambellas said he was delighted to be in Valparaiso. “the Royal Navy’s connections with Chile reach back two centuries, and our ties remain close today, as HMS Dragon’s presence at Exponaval testifies.

”But, as both our navies modernise, we are exploring new and exciting opportunities for future co-operation. By sharing ambition, knowledge and technology, we can deepen and strengthen our maritime security partnership further still“.

Arfan Chaudhry Assistant Director for South America in UKTI DSO said he was delighted to be back at Exponaval supporting the UK’s capabilities in the marine, defence and security sector.

”Our presence demonstrated HMG’s on-going commitment to Chile. We hope that at this exhibition we have identified areas where UK companies can work with their Chilean opposite numbers to mutual benefit.

“I am very keen to encourage more industrial partnerships in both the defence and security sectors and hope that Exponaval could encourage a climate of business to business engagements”.

UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) is the British government organisation that helps UK-based companies succeed in international markets and targets high quality inward investment for the UK.