Andina

Ecuador's President will visit Peru to hand over CAN Presidency

Photo: ANDINA/Presidency of the Republic of Peru

Photo: ANDINA/Presidency of the Republic of Peru

18:30 | Lima, Aug. 9.

Ecuadorian President Ecuador Guillermo Lasso will travel to Peru in order to hand over the Pro-Tempore Presidency of the Andean Community of Nations (CAN) to the Peruvian Head of State, Pedro Castillo.

This was announced on Tuesday by Foreign Affairs Minister Miguel Angel Rodriguez Mackay, who thanked the Ecuadorian President for this gesture. The date for the visit has yet to be defined, the Cabinet member said.

Likewise, the government official indicated that this responds to the recent decision of Congress not to authorize President Castillo's trip to Colombia for the swearing-in of Gustavo Petro.

On this matter, the high-ranking official pointed out that the Government is respectful of the separation of powers, the principle under which this measure was taken. Nonetheless, he said, this is not in line with State interests.

"Therefore, I want to announce the goodwill of the Government of President Guillermo Lasso, of Ecuador, who (…) has expressed his decision to us so that, given these atypical circumstances that are occurring in Peru, he will come to Lima very soon; we are setting the date for the handing over of this Pro-Tempore Presidency of the Andean Community that will be assumed by Peru (...)," Rodriguez Mackay expressed.

In his presentation speech as the Ministry's new head, he pointed out that President Castillo's administration is also preparing to hold the 52nd General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS) in October.

The high-ranking official also asked the OAS to come once again to Peru to see in situ what is happening "with respect to our relations in the international and domestic spheres," as well as to evaluate the circumstances in which national life is developing.

He also pointed out that Peru will soon receive the Pro-Tempore Presidency of the Pacific Alliance. Thus, President Castillo should travel abroad to assume the post.

The new Cabinet member affirmed the aim is to enhance the social meaning of said bloc, which is made up of Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru.

(END) MRCA/JCC/RMB/MVB

Published: 8/9/2022