Peru and Switzerland strengthen bilateral cooperation for citizens' benefit

Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Peru

Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Peru

08:30 | Lima, Mar. 28.

Peru and Switzerland strengthened their bilateral relations through the 11th Mechanism for Political Consultations, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lima on Thursday.

This high-level meeting reaffirms the mutual commitment to advancing a concrete agenda with direct benefits for citizens, thus fostering investment, trade, cooperation, and environmental protection.


In his address, Ambassador Campana underscored that the Roadmap adopted in the previous edition -held in Bern- sets concrete goals such as negotiating agreements on social security, social inclusion, fighting corruption, and updating the double taxation agreement.

The continuity and positive impact of Swiss cooperation programs were highlighted, along with the presentation in Lima of the strategic plans by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (COSUDE) and the launch of the Country Program by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) for the 2025-2028 period.

It was also noted that Peru is a priority destination for Swiss cooperation during the same period, recognizing its role as a regional hub for development initiatives in South America.

In this regard, Ambassador Voeffray emphasized that Lima was the "epicenter of Swiss diplomacy in the Americas" this week.

The Peruvian capital hosted the regional conference of Swiss ambassadors on the continent, demonstrating the close ties of the bilateral relationship.

Peru also expressed its gratitude for Switzerland's valuable support in its efforts to join the 
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Investment and Culture

In the economic sphere, the creation of a Joint Economic Commission and the outcomes of the 5th Meeting on Economic Affairs between Peru and Switzerland were highlighted, positioning the South American country as an attractive destination for new investments.

In 2024, bilateral trade reached US$2.788 billion, reflecting the dynamism driven by the Free Trade Agreement with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), of which Switzerland is a member.

This agreement has strengthened and diversified bilateral trade, boosting Peruvian micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises.

In the cultural sphere, Switzerland's commitment to the restitution of heritage assets to Peru was celebrated.

Since 2020, 74 cultural artifacts have been returned through official seizures and voluntary restitutions, reflecting the shared commitment to heritage protection.

(END) NDP/MVB

Published: 3/28/2025