During his participation at Congress' Foreign Affairs Committee session, the high-ranking official reaffirmed the government's commitment to open and constructive dialogue with Colombian authorities, prioritizing the defense of national territory.
In this regard, the diplomat recalled the agreements in force under the 1922 Boundary and River Navigation Treaty and the final acts of the 1928–1930 Joint Boundary Demarcation Commission.
These instruments —accepted by both countries and ratified in the Rio de Janeiro Protocol of Friendship and Cooperation— established that Chineria Island, where the town of Santa Rosa de Loreto is located, is Peruvian territory.
Therefore, Minister Schialer ruled out that the sovereignty of Santa Rosa de Loreto will be discussed at the Permanent Joint Commission for the Inspection of the Colombian-Peruvian Border (COMPERIF). Its next meeting will be held in Lima on September 11 and 12.
"COMPERIF cannot deviate from, redesign, or reestablish what has already been agreed upon in a treaty solemnly accepted," he assured lawmakers on Monday.
Furthermore, the minister emphasized that Peru's priority is the development and integration of its border areas.
He also highlighted initiatives including the construction of a pier with an investment of S/25.7 million (US$7.23 million) and the National Border Assistance Center (CENAF), with an investment of S/71.1 million (US$19.99 million).