18:25 | Cali (Colombia), Jun. 30.
Peru's capital city will host coming negotiations to incorporate newly-admitted Pacific Alliance Associate States, President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski announced on Friday.
In closing remarks following the 12th Summit of the Pacific Alliance, the Head of State informed said negotiations will begin in Lima on September 5.
"These four countries, accepted as Associate States, are heterogeneous: some are commodity exporters, others are industrialized […] and others are highly-diversified like Canada," the statesman underlined.
"But they all share a common characteristic: economic success," he pointed out.
The
Peruvian leader thus referred to Australia, Canada,
New Zealand and Singapore, which have become the first four observer countries to gain Associate State status in the regional bloc.
Such rank will constitute an intermediate category between the bloc's 4 founding members and its observer states.
"We hereby congratulate those who have sought out this partnership, which I think will be highly productive. This bridge will cross the Pacific to make us more prosperous, which is pivotal," he concluded.
Canada and the Pacific Alliance
In this sense, Canada's Charge d'Affairs to Colombia Allan Culham underlined becoming a
Pacific Alliance Associate State is a major step for his country, which shares the same values as PA economies.
"And if we can use this associate membership to further boost contact between the societies of this region and Canada, then it is a good thing for everyone," the diplomat said.
Regarding bilateral ties, Culham noted Canada has considerable investments in Peru's mining field, and stressed the Inca nation also offers "plenty of opportunities" in agriculture, education and tourism.
He continued: "It is a good stage for Peru, as well as an excellent opportunity for Canada."
(END) JCC/VVS/DHT/RMB
Published: 6/30/2017