Nicholas Garcia | Friday, April 15, 2022, 12:00
Representatives of the Chilean Navy and the United States Navy Fourth Fleet met between March 29 and 31 at the Florida National Guard headquarters to review bilateral cooperation activities and naval exercises in the framework of the meeting of the Annual Maritime Staff Talks (MST).
The US delegation was led by the commander of the Naval Forces Southern Command/Fourth Fleet, Rear Admiral Jim Aiken; and the Chilean representation by the Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Navy (EMGA), Rear Admiral Raúl Zamorano; and the head of the Department of International Relations of the EMGA, ship captain Guillermo Ceballos.
The MST meetings began between both institutions in 1996 when the Chilean Navy invited its counterpart to establish an annual meeting to discuss topics of mutual interest. MSTs allow the strengthening of cooperative relationships and contribute to interoperability. In addition, they serve as a forum for all bilateral maritime security cooperation activities.
Topics discussed at this meeting included upcoming operations and exercises such as Panamax, Unitas, and Teamwork South, which is the most important bilateral exercise organized by the Chilean Navy. Delegates also discussed opportunities for staff exchange and training between US and Chilean training schools.
“Friendly countries”
Rear Admiral Jim Aiken pointed out at the opening ceremony of the twenty-sixth edition of the MST that “Chile is a strong and valuable partner”, adding that “these commitments give us the opportunity to share information and build our relationships that allow us to improve our capabilities when we work together.
Rear Admiral Zamorano indicated that the activity is an opportunity to more effectively promote the relationship between the two countries. “This MST is an excellent platform to share experiences, address issues of mutual interest, and explore opportunities to strengthen our mutual cooperation and interoperability in different aspects,” he said.
“Our Navies share a number of common interests and concerns, as well as a strong commitment to freedom of navigation, a rules-based international system in support of peace and stability in our maritime cause. I look forward to becoming more involved in our longstanding relationship.” data through cooperation”, stated Zamorano.
