And we view it as a platform for this region, where countries that are able to achieve that level of ambition and are willing to address the major trade issues that they may have with other partners, can aspire to join and begin consultations with other countries to join.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing

The 1999 mission is being conducted aboard the USS Hawkbill, a nuclear submarine that is able to travel almost at will under the ice, making it a unique platform to study this little explored region.

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More importantly, Chile wants to promote itself as a platform from which foreign firms can do business in the region.

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Mr. Wahid: As you grow to become a regional bank you require more capital, you require more people, and you require a platform that can be implemented to do your products and services across the region in a more consistent manner.

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