stated on Friday that his administration will focus on various areas and stressed that it will seek to restore Peru's relations with Mexico and Colombia to the level of dialogue and cooperation they have historically enjoyed.
The new government official said that, during his tenure, his administration will seek to strengthen and deepen relations with all Latin American countries by promoting initiatives such as presidential meetings, binational cabinet meetings, and other spaces for dialogue and coordination.
These efforts—he added—will seek to deliver tangible benefits for citizens in areas such as security, physical integration, trade, and cooperation in responding to emergencies.
"Within that framework, we will work to restore our relations with Colombia and Mexico to the level of dialogue and cooperation that has historically corresponded to us," Espa stated.
"I also welcome the progress achieved with Venezuela last week, Ambassador (Carlos) Pareja," he added, addressing his predecessor, who was present at the ceremony.
The minister announced that Peru will lead forums such as the Brasilia Consensus, the Andean Community, and the Pacific Alliance to promote a concrete agenda on security, disaster risk management, migration, digital connectivity, trade facilitation, investment, and other issues.
Relations with U.S. and China
Later in his remarks, the minister announced that his administration will deepen Peru's excellent relations with the United States, "a strategic partner, ally, and friend with whom we share fundamental values and diverse common challenges across the hemisphere."
"At the same time, we foresee continued momentum in our ties with the People's Republic of China, our main trading partner and an important source of investment," Espa added.
The Cabinet member said in his speech that the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum will remain the main platform for trade outreach to China, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and the other economies in that part of the world.
Therefore, he noted, its next summit should help identify new concrete projects for Peru's benefit.
The Executive Branch member also stressed the importance of expanding Peru's ties with other partners that offer significant potential, such as India, as well as countries in the Middle East and Africa.
"At the same time, we will give renewed momentum to our relations with the countries of Europe and the European Union, Peru's traditional partners, with whom we maintain historic ties and shared interests, particularly in the areas of cooperation, investment, and the fight against crime," he emphasized.
Regarding Peru's accession process to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the government official highlighted the progress achieved.
He added that he will work with all sectors involved to maintain the technical momentum and the necessary cooperation.
Pope Leo XIV's visit
Minister Espa noted that Pope Leo XIV's apostolic visit to Peru is expected for November.
In this regard, he said the Foreign Affairs Ministry will assume an important coordinating role with other State sectors, the Church, as well as regional and local authorities to ensure the visit is successful.
"His Holiness' ties to Peru and the global attention his presence will draw offer a great opportunity, an exceptional opportunity, to strengthen Peru's image, promote our culture, and demonstrate our institutions' ability to coordinate," he underscored.
Service to citizens
In his speech, the minister also underlined that his administration will place special emphasis on modernizing consular services by incorporating digital tools and improving assistance for those in situations of vulnerability or emergency.
Furthermore, the Cabinet member highlighted the work of the Foreign Affairs Ministry's decentralized offices throughout the country.
Similarly, the government official said he was confident they will play an important role in addressing El Niño phenomenon.
He stressed the importance of the Diplomatic Service of the Republic and said the support of this institution, whose integrity and commitment to the country have been proven, will be essential to carrying out the tasks set out.
"Peru has macroeconomic stability, strategic resources, a privileged location, a culture recognized around the world, and a foreign service respected internationally. Our task now is to turn those strengths into security, development, and well-being for the population," Espa stated.
"That is the commitment with which President Keiko Fujimori's administration assumes leadership of Peru's international relations, and with which I myself take the helm of this prestigious institution," he concluded.
(END) MCA/CVC/MVB