H.E. Victor Abujatum

We are distant, but very welcoming country

Text: Martina Hošková and M. Zisso; Photo: Archive

Can you start by sharing a bit about yourself?

I am a Chilean diplomat with a strong sense of public service and a professional career, who is dedicated to strengthening Chile’s ties with the international community.

I spent my childhood in Germany, as my father was a political exile. Upon returning to Chile, I experienced a fairly normal adolescence. After completing secondary school, I was drawn to study Public Administration at the University of Santiago. Before finishing my studies, I had the opportunity to begin working at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which later led me to apply to the Diplomatic Academy of Chile to formally begin my diplomatic career.

I am passionate about history, culture, the arts, and the dialogue between nations. I firmly believe that diplomacy is essential for fostering peace, mutual understanding, and international cooperation. Outside of work, I value spending time with my children, reading, listening to music, attending the theatre, and going for walks outdoors.

And what can you tell us about your country?

Chile is a remarkably diverse and fascinating country. Its geography is defined by its unique shape, stretching over 4,270 kilometres between the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Historically, Chile has been a peaceful and democratic nation, known for its political stability, stunning landscapes, and strong literary tradition. We are often identified internationally through our copper exports, world-class wines, tourism in Patagonia and Rapa Nui, and our astronomical observatories.

In recent years, Chile has increasingly prioritised clean energy and technological innovation as key pillars of its development, capitalising on its natural advantages and institutional strength.

What did your path towards becoming an ambassador look like?

From a young age, I was drawn to international affairs, intercultural understanding, and the role that a country like Chile can play on the global stage.

Becoming a diplomat allowed me to channel that vocation for public service in an international context, which has been profoundly IEWS 16 enriching – particularly through my work in embassies and consulates abroad.

I began working at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1997, so being appointed Ambassador has been a natural outcome of a professional journey dedicated to representing Chile with commitment, strategic vision, and a deep sense of service. It is both an honour and a responsibility, enabling me to build bridges, create opportunities, and promote Chile’s values and interests across different settings.

How many countries have you served in?

Throughout my diplomatic career, I have had the privilege of serving in a variety of Chilean missions abroad. I have been posted to Ankara (Turkey), Miami (United States), and Berlin (Germany) – each within different bilateral and consular frameworks that have broadened my understanding of international dynamics and strengthened my representational skills.

These have been incredibly enriching and diverse experiences, both professionally and personally. Each posting has left a lasting mark on my heart, not only for what I learned, but also for the people, cultures, and challenges that shaped each chapter of my journey.

Does being an ambassador easily fit into your lifestyle?

Being an ambassador is both a great responsibility and a privilege. It is a role that demands dedication, political sensitivity, attention to detail, and – above all – a strong capacity for adaptation and empathy to truly understand other realities and cultures.

This position allows me to live in accordance with my values: engaging with people from diverse backgrounds, promoting dialogue, building connections, and proudly representing Chile.

I strive to maintain a balanced lifestyle, with time set aside for wellbeing, reading, physical activity, personal reflection, and staying closely connected with my children and loved ones. I believe that empathy, calmness, and an open-minded view of the world are essential qualities for practising diplomacy with authenticity.

It’s been about a year since you arrived at your post in the Czech Republic. Can you share some of your impressions?

I had already visited Prague as a tourist several years ago and was deeply impressed by the city’s beauty and serenity, as well as the way its history is so vividly present in every corner. I was also struck by the high degree of organisation and by the excellent quality of life in the country. I have always admired the rich cultural depth that characterises Czech society.

This first year in the Czech Republic has been intense and deeply rewarding. I have had the opportunity to travel beyond Prague, meet with authorities, business leaders, academics, and artists, and witness a genuine interest in building closer ties with Latin America – and with Chile in particular.

What I value most is the warm reception and interest shown towards my country and its culture, as well as the opportunity to strengthen bilateral ties in many areas. On a personal level, it has been a year of great learning, and of building relationships based on trust and mutual respect.

What do you do in your free time?

In my free time, I enjoy activities that allow me to reconnect with myself and unwind from the demands of work. I greatly enjoy walking, particularly in natural settings or places with distinctive architecture. I also listen to music, read, and, whenever possible, attend cultural events and art exhibitions – Prague offers a wealth of such opportunities. I deeply value simple yet meaningful conversations, spending time with friends or colleagues in relaxed settings, and discovering new corners of the city or the country.

Most importantly, I always strive to remain closely connected with my children, who do not live with me in Prague but are an essential part of my life.

How do you see the economic situation in Chile right now?

Chile has historically maintained a very open and relatively stable economy, supported by strong macroeconomic fundamentals and active integration into global markets. Our extensive network of free trade agreements is a clear expression of that openness.

Like many upper-middle-income countries, we face structural challenges such as reducing inequality, boosting productivity, and responding to demographic changes such as population ageing. At the same time, we have significant opportunities to transition towards a more inclusive, sustainable, and innovative economy.

Priority sectors include energy transition, green hydrogen, lithium production, and technological and scientific development. Chile is also working to diversify its productive base and strengthen its social fabric, with the aim of achieving growth that is both economically sound and humanly inclusive.

Is Chile viewed as a holiday destination for Czech people? How do you promote your country?

Yes, Chile is increasingly seen as an attractive destination for Czech travellers – particularly those seeking breathtaking natural landscapes, authentic experiences, and a connection with a rich and diverse geography and culture. In that sense, Czech visitors find strong resonance with what Chile has to offer.

The highlights include Patagonia, the Atacama Desert, Rapa Nui, glaciers, national parks, astronomical observatories, and world-renowned vineyards.

At the embassy, we promote Chile through various initiatives, including cultural events, partnerships with universities and research centres, and participation in tourism and business fairs. We also use digital platforms and social media to highlight Chile’s attractions and reinforce its image abroad.

Our aim is for Chile not to be perceived solely as a distant country, but as a welcoming, modern, diverse, and culturally vibrant destination, offering truly memorable experiences.

What is the current status of Czechia-Chile relations?

Chile and the Czech Republic enjoy excellent relations, underpinned by a strong alignment of values, including a shared commitment to democracy, human rights, multilateralism, and sustainable development. We are what are often referred to as like-minded countries, which facilitates dialogue and cooperation across a wide range of areas.

Last year, we celebrated 100 years of diplomatic relations, a milestone that reflects the depth and continuity of our ties. In this context, we were honoured to receive the recent official visit of Chile’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Alberto van Klaveren, to Prague – an important moment that reaffirmed our shared commitment to an active, outward-looking, and cooperative foreign policy.

Our current cooperation spans education, science, clean energy, trade, human rights, technological innovation, and Antarctic research – an area where both countries share a long-term vision and environmental responsibility. We are also witnessing an increase in cultural and academic exchanges, which help bring our societies closer together. Chile values its relationship with the Czech Republic very highly, and we are fully committed to further strengthening our ties and exploring new avenues for bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

This interview is done on the occasion of the National Day of Chile. What would you wish for both countries on this special day?

This September, I wish for Chile to achieve unity, social justice, internal cohesion, and a form of sustainable development that is inclusive and respectful of the environment and future generations. I hope we continue to be a country that defends democracy and human rights, values its diversity as a form of strength, and seeks to promote peace across the globe. I also wish that we would always be able to overcome our internal challenges through dialogue, responsibility, and mutual respect.

To the Czech Republic, I wish for stability, prosperity, and continued openness to the world, along with the preservation of its rich democratic and cultural heritage. It is a remarkable country, with an admirable history, and a society deeply committed to its identity and its role in Europe.

And to both Chile and the Czech Republic, I wish for ever-stronger friendship and cooperation – built on mutual respect, shared values, and a long-term vision grounded in trust and solidarity.