Thanks for the rock - have a beer on us

THEY would not normally be considered a suitable gift for the head of a visiting country, but when Chile's president Sebastian Pinera arrived at 10 Downing Street yesterday, waiting for him were 33 bottles of beer.

The London Pride ale was not intended for his personal consumption but as a gift for the 33 miners who were rescued last week from a collapsed San Jose gold and copper mine.

It was a belated but symbolic granting of a request the miners made during their 69-day ordeal, that they be sent down some beer - and their rescuers would not oblige.

In addition to the beer, however, the head of state was given a more presidential gift of an early edition of Robinson Crusoe - which was based on a real-life castaway on a Chilean island.

In return, Mr Pinera brought with him gifts and mementos relating to the miners' rescue. He had with him copies of the note sent by the miners that alerted rescuers that they were still alive - it reads, "All 33 of us are well inside the shelter" - which he presented to Prime Minister David Cameron and, at a reception last night in Buckingham Palace, the Queen.

Mr Pinera also presented both the Queen and Mr Cameron with chunks of rock from the mine site.

• Bits of history

The media scrum that awaited Mr Pinera in Downing Street was among the largest since the general election in May.

But the president looked relaxed as he posed for photos outside No 10 with Mr Cameron, saying relations between the two nations were "stronger than ever".

Asked about the rescue, he said: "I told him that it was a miracle. Down the mine, but also up on the surface, the miners are not the same - they have come back to life, they will enjoy a new life.

"And the Chilean people are not the same. We have learned the lessons that, when we work with unity, with faith, with hope, when we really put all our efforts and use the best technology, the best equipment and the best people to undertake huge challenges like this rescue and search effort, we are able to achieve goals."

Just weeks ago, such a reception for the leader of a small South American country would have been unthinkable, but the president's profile and popularity has risen in tandem with his country's.During the 69-day rescue mission, the billionaire businessman-turned-politician made repeated visits to the mine, even taking a call from Mr Cameron there, during which they discussed arrangements for this visit.

Mr Pinera's European tour, which began in London, may help brighten the image of a country many still associate with the dictatorship of General Augusto Pinochet.

The president said: "I am sure that Chile now is a more united country, a stronger country, one prepared to face the new challenges, defeat poverty and under-development.

"And also I am sure that Chile now is better known, is more respected, is more valued worldwide."