Chilean President Michelle Bachelet on Thursday announced major changes in her cabinet, replacing the foreign and defense ministers.
Foreign Minister Alejandro Foxley, who held the post since 2006, will be replaced by the country's ambassador to the United States, Mariano Fernandez, said the president.
Chilean government spokesman Francisco Vidal will take over the defense minister from Jose Goni, who will become the Chilean ambassador to the U.S.
Socialist Carolina Toha will take up the role of government spokeswoman, Xinhua reported.
Bachelet paid tribute to the two outgoing ministers, saying Foxley was "a good, generous and honest man."
The changes were prompted by Foxley's decision to resign Thursday. He said he made the decision for personal reasons, denying that he had any differences with the government. Enditem