Andina

Peru, UK to enhance trade, investment, and tourism cooperation

10:00 | Iquitos (Loreto region), May. 20.

Peru's President Martin Vizcarra and United Kingdom's Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson expressed their firm willingness to enhance trade, investments, tourism, and the fight against organized crime between their two nations.

The UK government official on Saturday paid an official visit to Peru and met with President Martin Vizcarra.

The gathering took place in the eastern city of Iquitos. It also saw the presence of Peruvian Foreign Affairs Minister Nestor Popolizio and British Ambassador Kate Harrisson.

During the work meeting, Vizcarra and Johnson welcomed the fresh impetus given to the bilateral relationship.

Other issues to be considered include science and technology, girls and women's education, as well as the fight against illegal wildlife trade.

Likewise, Vizcarra thanked Johnson for the United Kingdom's sustained support in completing Peru's accession process to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Short-stay visa

The Peruvian leader underlined how important is for his country to have its nationals exempted from UK short-stay visa requirements in order to boost trade and tourism.

According to Peru's Foreign Affairs Ministry, the Foreign Secretary was receptive to this request and said he will submit such interest to UK Home Office authorities.

In the context of the UK's exit from the European Union, the authorities stressed their Governments' political will to make sure there is no gap in the regulation that will govern bilateral trade relations, thus keeping the Multi-party Trade Agreement with Peru in force.

Additionally, Peru's top official noted that fighting corruption is a priority for his Government and said it would be significant to rely on the cooperation of the United Kingdom to strengthen the recently installed Public Integrity Secretary's Office under the Presidency of the Council of Ministers.

Iquitos visit


Also on Saturday, Peru's Foreign Affairs Minister Popolizio and Secretary Johnson opened a sustainable energy project at Victor Raul Haya de la Torre School —supported by UK— in favor of students in the Santa Marta community of Iquitos Island (Belen district).

Later, the two government officials visited the Amazon Rescue Center (CREA) and the Peruvian Amazon Research Institute (IIAP), where they stressed the importance of both countries' contribution to the fight against illegal wildlife trade.


(END) NDP/FHG/RMB

Published: 5/20/2018