to define the priority objectives in environmental cooperation, security, economic development, and border management.
The meeting between both Foreign Affairs Ministers took place as part of the preparations for the upcoming Peru–Ecuador Presidential Meeting and 16th Binational Cabinet of Ministers to be held in Quito on October 24.
During the dialogue, the two sides promoted the continuity of projects with a tangible impact on the communities of Tumbes, El Oro, Loja, Piura, and Cajamarca.
One of the main topics addressed was the decontamination and recovery of the Puyango–Tumbes transboundary basin.
In that regard, the officials agreed to implement the Puyango–Tumbes Binational Roadmap, signed on May 24 in the presence of both presidents. It contains specific actions for monitoring water quality, identifying pollution sources, promoting sustainable mining, and approving the Recovery Plan for Critical Areas.
The commitment to strengthen cooperation in the fight against Transnational Organized Crime (TOC) was also reaffirmed, placing special emphasis on combating illegal mining along the common border, as well as promoting sustainable mining that incorporates modern production methods and gradually eliminates river pollution.
Another topic addressed was the implementation of social projects, such as the telemedicine initiative for healthcare along the Napo River.
It will facilitate medical services for both countries' residents in that border area, ensuring that nationality is not an obstacle to accessing healthcare services.
The Foreign Affairs Ministers also agreed to promote close technical dialogue with health authorities to simplify the lists of requirements for the entry of products such as pineapples and live cattle from Ecuador to Peru, as well as grapes and onions from Peru to Ecuador.
In parallel, it was agreed to reactivate the meetings of the Permanent Binational Commission for Zarumilla Canal Administration, whose next regular session will be held during the first week of November.
At the upcoming event, priority issues such as cleaning, maintenance, and other technical matters will be addressed.
Lastly, progress was reviewed on the "Plaza de la Hermandad" (Brotherhood Square) project, a landmark development to be built next to the Aguas Verdes–Huaquillas International Bridge under the responsibility of Peru's Ministry of Housing, Construction, and Sanitation, through the Nuestras Ciudades (Our Cities) program.
This space aims to promote integration, trade, and binational tourism, generating new economic and cultural opportunities for border communities.
As is known, the 17th Peru–Ecuador Neighboring Commission takes place in Ecuador today. At this event, binational commitments will be agreed upon to foster the well-being, development, and integration of both countries’ populations, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported.
The Peru–Ecuador Neighboring Commission was created in 1998 following the peace agreements between the two countries through the Expanded Agreement on Border Integration, Development, and Neighborliness.
It serves as a platform for bilateral integration and cooperation.