Andina

Peru, Japan reiterate support for free trade

19:01 | Lima, Aug. 14.

Peru and Japan reaffirmed their support for free trade and multilateralism in a global context of protectionism, Peruvian Foreign Affairs Minister Nestor Popolizio affirmed Tuesday after a meeting with Japanese counterpart Taro Kono.

This confirmation —he said— came about as a result of a joint decision, taking into account that both countries are partners at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum (APEC) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP-11).

Popolizio recalled that Japan has ratified the above-mentioned deal, while Peru is in the ratification and internal review process.

Kono's arrival in the Inca country —he continued— consolidates the process started with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's official visit to the Inca country back in November 2016, which upgraded bilateral ties to Strategic Partnership.

According to the government official, this relationship is based on shared values, common interests, and a close historical friendship between Peru and Japan —whose diplomatic relations go back nearly 145 years.


The working meeting included a comprehensive review of all bilateral aspects in political, diplomatic, economic, trade, and cultural terms.

"We definitely confirm the high level of Peru-Japan bilateral relations, which can be deemed as excellent (…). Japan is Peru's fifth-largest trading partner worldwide," the minister told the press.

In this sense, Popolizio expressed both countries' willingness to strengthen trade, investment, and tourism aspects.

(END) MVF/CCR/RMB/MVB

Published: 8/14/2018