member countries have unanimously elected Peru's former Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador Gonzalo Gutierrez, as the bloc's new Secretary-General for the 2023-2028 term.
Via Twitter, the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated that the
election of Gutierrez reflects the recognition by Andean countries of Peru's commitment to subregional integration.
The brand-new Secretary-General of the CAN served as Minister of Foreign Affairs between 2014 and 2015. Previously, he was Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs between 2006-2009.
Gutierrez has already served as Ambassador of Peru to Belgium and Luxembourg. Similarly, he held the post of Peruvian Mission Chief to the European Union (EU).
He had also been designated Ambassador to China, as well as concurrent Ambassador to Mongolia, North Korea, and Pakistan.
The official —who was decorated by the Government with the Order of the Sun in the Rank of Grand Cross— is currently a member of the Society Founders of Independence and Director of the Diplomatic Academy of Peru.
About the CAN
The
Andean Community —made up of Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru— is a leading international organization for integration on the continent, which works to improve the quality of life of 115 million Andean citizens, according to its official website.