Her Excellency Ambassador of Chile, Ms. Carla Serazzi as well as Chile-Ireland Chamber of Commerce representatives, visited the offices of Sligo County Council on Wednesday 9th November.
Visit of Chilean Ambassador and Delegation
Visit of Chilean Ambassador & Business Delegation
Martin Lydon, CE Sligo County Council; Her Excellency Ambassador of Chile, Ms. Carla Serazzi; Cathaoirleach Councillor Michael Clarke; Karl Royce, Economics Officer Embassy of Ireland in Chile
They were welcomed by Cathaoirleach Councillor Michael Clarke and Chief Executive Martin Lydon.
Attending the meeting were Councillor Arthur Gibbons, Tara Rodgers, President of Sligo Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Aidan Doyle, CEO of Sligo Chamber of Commerce and Industry, John Reilly, Head of Enterprise, John Moran, Director of Services and Jim Molloy, Director of Services.
Tara Rodgers, President of Sligo Chamber of Commerce and Industry speaking at the meeting
Association
In his address, Cathaoirleach Cllr Michael Clarke said
There is a very strong association between Sligo and Chile, centered on the fascinating figure of Bernardo O’Higgins. His story and that of his father Ambrose have been well documented and examined by people in our respective countries.
It is a source of great pride for the people of Sligo that our friends in Chile have kept the flame of Bernardo's memory alive, to inform and inspire new generations as to role and legacy.
Her Excellency Ambassador of Chile, Ms. Carla Serazzi speaking at the meeting
Connection
It is my hope that we can use this special connection to develop our friendship with our friends in Chile. There is enormous potential in exploring exchanges in diverse areas, whether in sport, arts, heritage or community.
We are also interested in exploring the potential of developing new connections in the realm of business and enterprise.
Cathaoirleach Councillor Michael Clarke making a presentation to Alejandro Espinosa, CEO RSM Chile and Chairman of the Chilean-Irish Chamber of Commerce
Initiative
I believe there is an excellent foundation to progress the association between Sligo and Chile, and Sligo County Council has an important role to play on this process - there is an onus on civic leaders to take the initiative and consider these strands where links can be forged in the many areas of common interest.
Historical Connections
Ambassador Serazzi expressed her great pride in the Irish–Chilean connection through Ambrose O’Higgins and his son Bernardo, Chile’s Founding Father and Liberator.
Ambassador Serazzi stated that Chile and Ireland celebrate 30 years of diplomatic relations this year and hopes that we can strengthen this historic Chilean-Irish relationship.
Back Row - Left to Right: John Moran, Director of Services; Jim Molloy, Director of Services; Juan Carlos Hayes, Executive Director Hayes & Corp; John Reilly, Head of Enterprise; Aidan Doyle, CEO Sligo Chamber of Commerce & Industry; Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services; Councillor Arthur Gibbons; Front Row - Left to Right: Tara Rodgers, President Sligo Chamber of Commerce & Industry; Her Excellency Ambassador of Chile, Ms. Carla Serazzi; Cathaoirleach Councillor Michael Clarke; Alejandro Espinosa, CEO RSM Chile and Chairman of the Chilean-Irish Chamber of Commerce; Karl Royce, Economics Officer Embassy of Ireland in Chile
Following the meeting in County Hall, Her Excellency Ambassador Serazzi and along with the Chilean Business delegation visited the O’Higgins monument in Stephen Street carpark as well as the Showgrounds museum. Ambassador Serazzi unveiled the Bernardo O’Higgins exhibition in the Showgrounds outdoor museum on her previous visit in September 2021.
