oversaw the shipment of 12 tons of humanitarian aid to Colombia to assist families affected by the earthquake that recently struck the neighboring country.
"We extend our full solidarity to the Colombian people, President Abelardo de la Espriella, and his government," Fujimori stated from Air Group No. 8 in El Callao region.
"In addition to this expression of solidarity, we have decided together with the prime minister and the Cabinet to provide our support to the brotherly people of Colombia," she noted.
The Head of State was accompanied by Cabinet Chief Luis Galarreta, as well as Ministers Rafael Belaunde (Defense) and Carlos Espa (Foreign Affairs).
The humanitarian aid, coordinated through the National Civil Defense Institute (Indeci), consists of essential food supplies, tents, warm clothing, beds, mattresses, mosquito nets, household goods, kitchenware, and other essential items to address the most urgent needs of the affected population.
In this regard, the top official said the Peruvian Government's support will continue with a second operation aimed at reinforcing emergency response efforts in Colombia.
"The Foreign Affairs Minister has decided to travel personally on behalf of our Government. Vice President Galarreta has been in communication with Colombian Vice President Jose Manuel Restrepo so that a second plane can depart tomorrow, this time carrying volunteers to help our brotherly country of Colombia," she announced.
In this context, the President highlighted the swift response of the institutions involved in preparing and transporting the aid, as well as the coordinated efforts among the Ministry of Defense, Indeci, and the Armed Forces.
"Thank you very much, Defense Minister. Through you, I extend our gratitude to the Peruvian Air Force and all the Armed Forces for this prompt and swift response. Once again, my solidarity with the brotherly people of Colombia. Much faith and much strength," she expressed.
Coordination for the deployment of rescue teams
In turn, Prime Minister Luis Galarreta provided details about his communication with the Colombian vice president, to whom he conveyed the Peruvian Government’s willingness to expand its support by deploying specialized rescue units.
"The vice president, on behalf of the Colombian Government and the Colombian people, expressed his great appreciation. We are awaiting coordination so that the Colombian Foreign Affairs Ministry can issue a formal document allowing us to send our units," Galarreta stated.
In turn, Foreign Affairs Minister Carlos Espa recalled the support provided by Colombia to Peru following the 2007 Pisco earthquake.
Similarly, the Cabinet member underscored that this action allows Peru to reciprocate the solidarity shown by its neighboring country at the time.
"In 2007, when we experienced the earthquake in Pisco, President Alvaro Uribe personally came to our aid. We are now fortunate to be able to do the same, to stand together with a brotherly people like the people of Colombia," he expressed.
Defense Minister Belaunde said that a Peruvian Air Force Hercules aircraft had been made available to transport 12 tons of humanitarian aid.
The high-ranking official added that coordination was underway to deploy two USAR teams.
"There are 62 accredited and certified personnel who can enter and penetrate collapsed structures in search of injured people and survivors. They are highly specialized personnel; in a disaster such as the one that has struck our brotherly country of Colombia, I believe their participation is indispensable," he concluded.
(END) NDP/CCH/MVB