highlighted the figure and work of Peruvian novelist and Nobel Literature laureate Mario Vargas Llosa for being one of the main promoters of the Spanish language through his novels.
"It is a great honor to participate in this opening session of the 10th International Congress of the Spanish Language (…) and to do so in Peru, in Arequipa, the White City where Vargas Llosa spent his first year of life, is truly moving," he stated.
He noted that the novelist "never stopped considering himself a native of Arequipa."
"Returning to Arequipa is very much a celebration. In Arequipa, we were with the Queen when we were prince and princess, and the memories of that occasion are revived by being in this place again," he expressed.
In this regard, King Felipe VI regarded the city of Arequipa as the ideal place to celebrate the Spanish language, much like when Vargas Llosa returns home.
"This 10th International Congress of the Spanish Language is a testament to a thriving language (…) and one that speaks about our future," he stated.
Likewise, the illustrious guest expressed his gratitude for the affection shown by the whole city and to everyone who will participate in the plenary sessions during the 10th CILE.
He highlighted the support of all the organizing institutions, such as the Instituto Cervantes, the Royal Spanish Academy, and the Government of Peru, for the successful execution of this international event.
Presentations
Other personalities also took part in the opening session, including Instituto Cervantes Director Luis Garcia Montero, who attended alongside the institution's Secretary-General Carmen Noguera.
During his speech, Garcia Montero underscored the preparation and execution of the 10th CILE in Arequipa, thanks to Mario Vargas Llosa's initiative, as well as the efforts of various Peruvian authorities.
He stated that the topics to be addressed at this congress—such as mestizaje (cultural blending), plain language, and artificial intelligence use—emphasize the current state of the Spanish language.
In turn, Royal Spanish Academy (RAE) Director Santiago Muñoz underscored the importance of the topics proposed, which will be addressed in Peru in the coming days, noting that they are highly relevant at present time.
Institutions
He joined in honoring the Nobel Literature laureate, noting that Mario Vargas Llosa "is Arequipeño, Peruvian, Spanish, Ibero-American, and universal."
"Mario Vargas Llosa's contribution is monumental; he has helped make Spanish a heritage for all who speak it," he stated.
Likewise, Allamand expressed his gratitude for the presence of King Felipe VI, who demonstrates his commitment to Ibero-America and the Spanish language.
"Its holding in Arequipa, within the cloisters of UNSA and other venues, fills us with great pride because Arequipa and Peru will become the center of the Spanish language," he added.
Writers
As part of the event, other writers were invited to speak, including the Colombian Juan Gabriel Vasquez and Peruvian essayist Giovanna Pollarolo, who read Blanca Varela's poem "Casa de Cuervos" (The House of Ravens).
Peruvian novelist Oswaldo Chanove and the Spanish author Javier Cercas also delivered speeches.