The government nominates Ximena Fuentes and Manahi Pakarati for ambassadors to the United Kingdom and New Zealand

President Gabriel Boric and Foreign Minister Alberto van Klaveren are awaiting approval to nominate former Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ximena Fuentes to take over as Chile's ambassador to the United Kingdom in a bid to strengthen diplomacy.

The proposal arises after then-ambassador Susana Herrera resigned in August 2023 amid complaints of workplace harassment and disputes over Biobio's management of projects with the regional government.

As mentioned ThirdThe appointment of Fuentes, a key figure in Social Integration (CS), is supported by his diplomatic experience and his history of “taking care of political balances”, the essential requirements established by the government for this important post.

It is noteworthy that during Boric's second cabinet reshuffle, on March 10, 2023, Fuentes left his post in the Undersecretariat, and was succeeded by political scientist Gloria de la Fuente.

Although the government's proposal is still pending approval, sources familiar with the negotiations are confident it will be approved in the coming weeks, according to the aforementioned media. However, when formally consulted on these appointments, External Affairs Ministry sources refused to comment.

Foreign Minister Van Klaveren expressed his confidence in Fuentes' ability to fulfill the role of ambassador, highlighting his role in representing Chile before the International Court of Justice in The Hague, particularly on important issues such as the situation in Palestine.

Those close to Fuentes revealed his close relationship with Van Klaveren, who actively supported him because of his previous experience in important diplomatic cases, including the case between Chile and Peru a decade ago.

Fuentes' potential appointment is not the only change on Chile's diplomatic agenda. It has also been confirmed that the protocol's current director, Manahi Pagarati, will be proposed as Chile's ambassador to New Zealand, which has also undergone changes in its diplomatic representation.

Bakrathi's background with previous experience in New Zealand makes him a strong candidate for this strategic position. Taking his place in the Protocol Directorate will be Christian Hodges-Nugent, who previously served as Director of the Division for South America.

Diplomatic appointments are not without controversy. In March 2022, the Association of Professional Ambassadors (ADICA) evaluated some of the appointments made by President Gabriel Boric regarding the country's ambassadors. However, he also drew criticism from others because of his political past.

And today, Undersecretary of State Gloria de la Fuente is due to come out to express La Moneda's support for Chile's ambassador to Japan, Tamara Morales, who criticized her representative for her “informal” attire when she received it. World Wrestling Council and multiple time champion, Stephanie Walker.

Through social networks, Gloria de la Fuente expressed, “All my solidarity with our embassy in Japan. “This type of disqualification is unacceptable on a day against cyberbullying, especially against an important official who has built an impeccable career in our ministry.”