Peru and U.S. strengthen strategic cooperation against organized crime

Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Peru

Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Peru

00:00 | Washington, D.C. (U.S.), Dec. 6.

Peru's Foreign Affairs Minister Hugo de Zela held a bilateral meeting with United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington, D.C., on Friday to strengthen cooperation commitments on security and to jointly combat transnational organized crime, considered the main threat to the region.

Minister De Zela was accompanied by Peru's Ambassador to the United States, Alfredo Ferrero, and diplomatic mission members during the session.

Within this framework, the Peruvian government official underscored that the fight against organized crime and drug trafficking is a key priority for the transitional government, a goal that was shared by Secretary Rubio.

Similarly, both officials agreed that tackling this scourge requires closer and sustained regional cooperation.

As a sign of their joint commitment, it was announced that a high-level delegation of U.S. security experts will visit Lima next week to advise the Peruvian government.

The delegation will hold meetings with senior Peruvian officials to define an effective strategy against organized crime as well.

Both high-ranking officials also discussed the National Security Strategy published Friday by the U.S. government, highlighting the convergence between the two countries' priorities in defense and security.

In that regard, they agreed to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in these spheres.

Moreover, the meeting addressed opportunities for aerospace cooperation, as well as the importance of deepening the economic and trade relationship.

Both parties expressed their interest in promoting new investments in strategic sectors such as critical minerals and infrastructure.

As part of the commemorations of the bicentennial of diplomatic relations between Peru and the United States, State Secretary Rubio accepted Minister De Zela's invitation to make an official visit to Peru in 2026.

Meeting with OAS on 2026 general elections

Alongside his agenda in Washington D.C., Foreign Affairs Minister De Zela met with Organization of American States (OAS) Secretary General Albert Ramdin, whom he invited to visit Peru as a preliminary step to the Electoral Observation Mission to be deployed by the organization for the 2026 general elections.

The Cabinet member announced that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will set up more than 4,000 polling stations in various cities worldwide to facilitate the participation of approximately 1.2 million Peruvians eligible to vote abroad.

(END) NDP/KCO/MVB

Published: 12/6/2025