Bulgaria's Parliament on 29 October adopted on first and second reading a bill ratifying the Advanced Framework Agreement (AFA) between the EU and its Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Chile, of the other part, signed in Brussels on December 13, 2023.
The AFA is the first of its kind concluded by the EU with a third country. It sets a model for future new-generation agreements between the EU and partners from various regions around the world, in the interest of European citizens, according to the report of the parliamentary Foreign Policy Committee.
The Agreement aims to deepen the EU-Chile partnership, reinforce political dialogue and enhance cooperation on issues of mutual interest. It also aims to strengthen trade and investment relations. The AFA reaffirms commitments on issues such as the rule of law and human rights, extends political dialogue to include international peace, justice and security, and commits strongly to sustainable trade practices.
The agreement is expected to deepen bilateral relations and further boost trade and economic cooperation between Bulgaria and Chile, identified by the parliamentary Foreign Policy Committee as the country's main partner in Latin America.