Brown's Admin Describes Trip To Chile

Flight from Sao Paulo to Santiago took the PM high over the stunning and snow-capped Andes - there’s an impressive picture on Flickr.

Santiago itself was a strong contrast to Sao Paulo - think old Europe to tiger Asia. PM arrived to a mighty guard of honour and a tour of the very beautiful and impressive Presidential Palace.

At their post-meeting press conference the PM reiterated the call for G20 and other nations to steer clear of protectionist trade measures during the current global recession, while President Bachelet stressed the importance of fiscal stimulus measures to boost economies’ chances of a swift recovery.

The journey by road from Santiago to Vina del Mar was very pretty, near some of Chile’s prime wine country apparently. Maybe the driver had had some, as he spontaneously switched on the in-bus TV set and played a selection of 70s disco classics. I would have preferred some pan pipes.

Now we are in Vina del Mar for the annual Progressive Governance Conference. The PM will hold some bilateral meetings tomorrow before attending the main summit and press conference scheduled for about 17:00 GMT.

Then it will be time for home for a well earned rest. Correction, then it will be time for home and the G20, which will probably be every bit as demanding as the last five days. One thing that No10 admin has learned on this sojourn is that the PM is a man of great stamina!

See you in London and thanks for following.

By 10 Downing Street