to remain on the path of commitment and vocation to continue strengthening the image of Peru abroad, as well as with the work of dialogue and cooperation involving all peoples.
Within this framework, the Head of State highlighted the birth of this institution along with the Republic, adding that it has sought peace and national security throughout these years.
"On this anniversary of the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I call (on the State) so that one of the institutions, which with the greatest spirit and honor has ennobled our homeland, remains on the path of commitment, sacrifice, vocation, and hard work to continue strengthening Peru's image abroad, as well as to promote dialogue and cooperation for the benefit of our peoples," he said.
Likewise, the top official expressed gratitude for the professional and efficient work carried out by this institution in his first year in office.
"Together, we have made important achievements that contribute to the well-being of the country, peace, and development. During this first year, supported by the fundamental assistance of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, the reconstruction of bilateral, regional, and multilateral relations has been prioritized," he indicated.
In this sense, the top official specified that his administration had decided to resume meetings with dignitaries of neighboring countries, thereby reactivating Presidential and Binational Cabinet meetings that had been suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic and to the replacement of presidents which had occurred over the past quinquennium.
This way —Mr. Castillo recalled— he had participated in binational meetings with Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil, as well as in the presidential transfer of power in Chile.
At the regional level, the top official highlighted his participation in the 6th Community of Latin American & Caribbean States (CELAC) Summit, the Organization of American States' (OAS) Permanent Council, the 76th United Nations General Assembly, the 16th Summit of the Pacific Alliance, and the 11th Summit of the Americas.
"During our first year in office, we met with the presidents of all neighboring countries to work on (affairs related to) our populations, especially in border areas," he said.
In addition, Mr. Castillo affirmed that another achievement was the sound step taken by Peru in its process of accession to the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD), which is an objective of the Peruvian State and not of the Government, but whose commitment "must be total, responsible, and serious."
Moreover, he specified that there are many tasks ahead, such as assuming the Pro-Tempore Presidency of the Andean Community (CAN), hosting the OAS General Assembly this October, assuming the Pro-Tempore Presidency of the Pacific Alliance in 2023, and hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum for the third time in 2024.
"These four events of historic magnitude will be an opportunity for Peru to strengthen dialogue, cooperation, integration, respect for the most fundamental rights and freedoms, as well as political, economic, and social security, in order to continue seeking peace and development," he added.