Chilean Foreign Policy reaffirmed its relentless path of FTAs and a commitment to an open economy under WTO precepts. Chilean Exterior Minister Mr. Heraldo Muñoz and the other 11 member countries’ representatives signed the TPP in Auckland, New Zealand, on February 3rd, 2016.  Chilean Foreign Minister Muñoz announced the signature of the  TPP as a milestone in the creation of jobs and growth. This mega-treaty had initially involved 12 economies: countries in the Asia-Pacific rim area, like Japan and the USA. However,  the USA withdrew from the treaty when President Donald Trump became the new POTUS in January 2017.  The mega treaty, TPP, once pioneered by the Obama administration as a pivot to China, is a turning point in global commercial blocs. This mega-treaty accounts for 40% of global GDP and 800 million consumers worldwide.

Former President, Patricio Aylwin Azocar, dies at age 97.  For three days, Chileans have mourned their first democratically-elected president - after Pinochet's demise.  Aylwin is remembered as the just, fair man who led the transition to democracy and made of reconciliation in Chile the basis for a smooth shift to democracy,  proving his hard-line detractors that democratic life was possible and attainable without military intervention. His political doctrine was "progress within the realm of the possible".  There were countless gatherings of citizens showing genuine affection and heartfelt comments on his contribution to democracy. From former cabinet members to key political figures at the time were present, but also figures from the opposition. Alongside the media coverage of his farewell, both nationally and internationally,  his departure has opened the much-needed space for reflection on the 25-year political cycle since Pinochet was electorally forced to step down.  The mood of reflection amongst the political elite and across the nation itself is calling the times to adjust the engine of governmental affairs onto the firmness of moral grounds that characterized Aylwin's presidency and most importantly, his political decisions in the face of tough times to secure a strong democracy in Chile.