Chile's President, Sebastian Pinera, delivers a second gift of rock from the San Jose mine -- scene of the dramatic rescue of 33 miners earlier this month -- this time to Britain's Queen Elizabeth. He says the rock was brought out of the mine by the second miner to be hoisted to safety.
The Chilean President, still glowing with success of the rescue of 33 miners trapped underneath the Atacama Desert, continues his trip to Britain.
After brief talks with the British prime minister, David Cameron, at Number Ten Downing Street, Pinera spoke to the waiting media.
[Sebastian Pinera, Chilean President]: (male, English)
"I am sure that Chile now is a more united country, stronger country. We're prepared to face the new challenges, defeat poverty and underdevelopment. I know, I am sure, that Chile is now better known, is more respected, is more valued worldwide. Thank you very much."
Before the talks Pinera had presented Cameron with a rock from the San Jose mine. Later on Monday he and the Chilean First Lady, Cecilia Morel, presented another stone, this time to Britain's Queen Elizabeth at her London residence, Buckingham Palace.
[Sebastian Pinera, Chilean President]: (male, English)
"This piece of rock was brought by a miner...from ...half a mile down the earth; actually it was the second miner who brought this."
[Queen Elizabeth, Britain's Queen]:
"Very kind indeed, thank you very much."
Pinera, a billionaire businessman who took power in Chile in March, will also visit France and Germany this week, on a European tour planned well before the mining accident.
His approval ratings surged to a new high in the days after the miners were first located and he was praised for his hands-on response to the crisis.
