Administration of Joseph R. Biden, Jr., 2024

February 7, 2024

Jill and I join the people of Chile in grieving the tragic loss of former President SebastiÃ¡n PiÃ±era of Chile.

Driven by a sense of passion and purpose, President PiÃ±era was committed to forging a more secure and prosperous future for Chile. He worked tirelessly to grow Chile's economy and advocate for his nation on the world stage. During the COVIDâ19 pandemic, he placed the safety of his fellow citizens paramount, helping Chile achieve one of the fastest vaccination rates in the world. And, in the wake of a devastating earthquake and tsunami in 2010, President PiÃ±era's steadfast leadership not only helped guide Chile through the pain of darkness and loss, but enabled Chile to emerge stronger, an inspiration Chileans can continue to draw from today as they bravely fight and recover from the tragic ongoing wildfires.

I deeply valued my time working with President PiÃ±era over the last decade, where I saw his dedication to his countryâand to our partnershipâfirsthand. The United States will continue the remarkable legacy of cooperation he helped chart, and we send our deepest condolences to former First Lady Cecilia Morel, his family, and all those mourning this grave loss.

Categories: Statements by the President : Former President SebastiÃ¡n PiÃ±era Echenique of Chile, death.

Names: Biden, Jill T.; Morel Montes, MarÃa Cecilia; PiÃ±era Echenique, SebastiÃ¡n.

Subjects: Chile, economic growth and development; Chile, wildfires; Chile. death of former President; COVIDâ19 pandemic; COVIDâ19 vaccines; Deaths, Former President SebastiÃ¡n PiÃ±era Echenique of Chile.

DCPD Number: DCPD202400089.

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