Relations between the United States and Chile are better now than at any other time in history. The U.S. Government applauded the rebirth of democratic practices in Chile in the late 1980s and early 1990s and sees the maintenance of a vibrant democracy and a healthy and sustainable economy as among the most important U.S. interests in Chile. In December 2000 the United States and Chile initiated negotiations for a bilateral free trade agreement and completed negotiations in December 2002. The two governments consult frequently on issues of mutual concern, and dialogue takes place in five major bilateral commissions--covering defense, agriculture, trade and investment, and bilateral issues.

U.S. Embassy Functions
In addition to working closely with Chilean Government officials to strengthen our bilateral relationship, the U.S. Embassy in Santiago provides a wide range of services to U.S. citizens and businesses in Chile. The embassy also is the locus for a number of American community activities in the Santiago area. Public Affairs works closely with universities and NGOs on a variety of programs of bilateral interest. Of special note are extensive U.S. Speaker, International Visitor, and Fulbright programs. Themes of particular interest include judicial reform, environmental concerns, and promotion of trade.

Attaches at the embassy from the Foreign Commercial Service, Foreign Agricultural Service, and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) work closely with the hundreds of U.S. companies that export to or maintain offices in Chile. These officers provide information on Chilean trade and industry regulations and administer several programs intended to support U.S. companies' sales in Chile.

The Consular section of the embassy provides vital services to the more than 12,000 U.S. citizens residing in Chile. Among other services, the Consular section assists Americans who wish to participate in U.S. elections while abroad and provides U.S. tax information. Besides the U.S. citizens resident in Chile, more than 120,000 U.S. citizens visit annually. The Consular section offers passport and emergency services to U.S. tourists as needed during their stay in Chile. It also issues more than 60,000 visitors' visas annually to Chilean citizens who plan to travel to the United States.

The Public Affairs Office works daily with Chilean media, which has a keen interest in bilateral and regional relations. It also assists visiting foreign media, including U.S. journalists, and is regularly involved in press events for high-level visitors. Recent issues of great interest to the media include U.S. views on the evolving Pinochet case, and other cases associated with his regime.

The U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Santiago are located at 2800 Andres Bello Avenue, Las Condes, (tel. 562-232-2600; fax: 562-330-3710). The mailing address is Casilla 27-D, Santiago, Chile.