announced before Congress members that Peru and Colombia are close to restoring the functions of their respective ambassadors, after two years in which both countries' embassies operated at the level of charges d'affaires.
The high-ranking official even reported that both governments have already granted the respective agréments to the designated ambassadors, a preliminary step before they take up duties.
As is known, Peru and Colombia withdrew their respective ambassadors following the crisis on December 7, 2022, when Colombian President Gustavo Petro questioned the removal of Pedro Castillo from the Presidency of the Republic after the failed coup attempt.
Cooperation with Colombia
As part of his
presentation before Congress on Wednesday,
alongside Defense Minister Walter Astudillo,
to report on actions carried out on Chineria Island, the diplomat announced that Peru will propose, at the next meeting of the Permanent Joint Commission for the Inspection of the Peruvian-Colombian Border (COMPERIF), addressing cooperation with Colombia.
The proposal will focus on navigation of the Amazon River in the Leticia area. The objective is to create the necessary conditions to address Colombian concerns.
The 14th meeting of this commission will be held in Lima on September 11 and 12.
Minister Schialer recalled that in previous COMPERIF meetings (in charge of setting priorities for the repair and densification of boundary markers), Peru had already reaffirmed its sovereignty over Santa Rosa, as it is located west of the Peru-Colombia international boundary, defined by the thalweg of the Amazon River.
The high-ranking official noted that Peru's rights over this territory were fully ratified in an international instrument, the 1934 Rio de Janeiro Protocol.
He also emphasized that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs prioritizes open, sincere, and constructive dialogue with all foreign officials, particularly in this case with Colombian authorities, highlighting the validity of international law that supports Peru's position.
Lastly, the Foreign Affairs minister assured lawmakers that, through diplomacy, defense, and the development of the border area, the government will guarantee the well-being and security of the homeland and its citizens.