, adding that the Government will continue making every effort to address the population's needs in that border zone.
"We are convinced that Peru's sovereignty over Santa Rosa de Loreto is clear, historic, and legal, and defending it corresponds to all Peruvians," Astudillo said in remarks to investigative journalism TV program Panorama on Sunday night.
The high-ranking official added that the relations between the military forces of Peru and Colombia have been excellent for decades.
However, he lamented the unfriendly and political statements made by Colombian President Gustavo Petro, which affect the strong friendship between the two countries.
In this regard, the Peruvian Cabinet member clarified that the 1922 Salomon Lozano Treaty, ratified by the Rio de Janeiro Protocol, clearly assigned Chineria Island to Peru.
The minister also noted that Peru has a presence on Chineria Island, but if Peruvian sovereignty is put into question after more than 50 years, then other intentions are being implied.
In this respect, he said that the Colombian president would seek, with his statements, to divert attention from the current political situation in said country.
Astudillo said that the Peruvian State's presence on Chineria Island is evident through the Republica del Peru School, a medical center, and a police station, in addition to an Army unit, a Navy river control unit, anti-drug police personnel, among other services.
The Cabinet member mentioned that State ministers have visited the zone on three occasions.
He added that the Santa Rosa de Loreto district was created, which was part of an offer that could be made.
"The government is making every effort, and this will continue," said the minister, highlighting the efforts to address the population's needs in this border area.