Mariano Rajoy expresses solidarity with Michelle Bachelet following widespread wildfires in Chile

Moncloa Palace, Madrid

Mariano Rajoy also passed on to Michelle Bachelet the condolences of the people and Government of Spain over the loss of human life as a result of the fires, and asked her to convey this message of support and affection to the families of the victims.

The President of the Government informed President Bachelet of Spain's intention to send a team of specialists in combating wildfires to support the efforts being made by the Chilean authorities in this area. On Friday afternoon, Spain notified the Chilean authorities that it would be sending a team of some 60 specialists from the Military Emergency Unit and from the Autonomous Region of Madrid within the framework of the European Civil Protection Mechanism. This offer of aid has now been accepted by the Chilean authorities and it is hoped that this team can leave on Friday evening for Chile in a plane provided by the Spanish Air Force.