U.S. Secretary of State to visit Peru today

Photo: AFP

11:00 | Lima, Apr. 13.

United States Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo will arrive in the Peruvian capital city of Lima today to meet with President Martin Vizcarra and Foreign Affairs Minister Nestor Popolizio.

Within this framework, the Peruvian officials and their illustrious guest will discuss Peru's support for Venezuelan refugees, the country's ongoing leadership role in the Lima Group, as well as cooperation regarding transnational crime, economic growth, and other bilateral issues.

Secretary Pompeo has previously landed in Chile and Paraguay.

In this sense, the United States remains a steady and enduring partner in the Hemisphere and works with regional allies to advance prosperity, security, and freedom.

Reinforcing Strong Relationships with Peru

Peru and the United States have maintained diplomatic relations since 1826.

"The U.S. supports a strong, sovereign Peru that upholds democratic institutions, both at home and beyond its borders. We work together to build Peru's capacity to reduce the influence of transnational criminal organizations, and encourage greater investment opportunities for U.S. businesses," the State Department stressed.

Expanding Economic Prosperity

Economic and commercial ties between the U.S. and Peru deepened after the U.S.-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement (PTPA) went into effect in 2009.

This agreement eliminates tariffs and removes barriers to U.S. services, provides a secure, predictable legal framework for investors, and strengthens protection for intellectual property, workers, and the environment. Since its start, total trade between the United States and Peru has risen from almost US$9 billion to US$17.5 billion in 2018.

Safeguarding International Peace and Security

In Peru, the U.S. works closely with its counterparts to counter transnational criminal organizations, strengthen law enforcement cooperation, and safeguard public integrity.

In 2018, the Government of Peru removed an estimated 194 metric tons (MT) of export quality cocaine from the global supply. Likewise, Peruvian police and armed forces interdicted 55.6 MT of narcotics.

In 2017, the U.S. and Peru agreed to cooperate to reduce illegal mining through improved law enforcement capacity, protection of human health and the environment, increased supply chain transparency, and promotion of alternative economic development.

Promoting Democracy and Human Rights

As key members of the Lima Group, Chile, Paraguay, and Peru recognize Juan Guaido as Interim President of Venezuela and support democratic actors within Venezuela, exiled members of the opposition, and employ robust outreach calling on the international community to back the Venezuelan people's push to restore democracy.

Chile and Peru together have welcomed a million Venezuelan refugees and migrants. As of April 10, the State Department and USAID have provided US$600,000 and US$13 million respectively to support humanitarian assistance efforts in those countries.

Chile and Colombia led the creation of PROSUR, a new regional integration forum that facilitates regional cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, health, energy, combatting transnational crime, and managing natural disasters.

For the first time in five years, South American heads of state gathered in Chile on March 22 for PROSUR's launch.

Paraguay leads the defense of democracy by cutting all diplomatic ties with Venezuela, expelling the Maduro regime's ambassador and calling out Nicolas Maduro for what he is: a power-hungry tyrant.

(END) NDP/DTK/MVB

Published: 4/13/2019

U.S. Secretary of State to visit Peru today

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