Phl, Peru leaders conduct bilateral meeting at APEC

SAN FRANCISCO, California – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday (US Time) said it is time for Peru and the Philippines to pursue and encourage even stronger ties considering their common colonial history and as they emerge from the coronavirus pandemic.

In a bilateral meeting with Peruvian President Dina Boluarte here, Marcos underscored the need to improve its ties amid many geopolitical shocks as both countries are trying to recover and transform their economies after the COVID-19 pandemic.

With that, Boluarte invited Marcos to visit Peru to commemorate the establishment of formal relations between Peru and the Philippines and bring Filipino investment to the South American country.

"And I would also like to take this opportunity to invite you officially for [an] official State Visit to Peru, to celebrate 50 years of our bilateral ties and next year it is going to be 50 years. So, we'd be honored if you can pay a state visit to us to commemorate," Boluarte said.

"And so, we look forward to welcoming you to Peru with open arms and warm heart to have that brotherly and sisterly treatment between our countries," the Peruvian President said.

Peru, Boluarte said, is a very stable country, with the lowest inflation rate in the region, adding that she would also like Marcos to come to the Asia-Pacific Cooperation (APEC) 2024 for him to get to know the premium culture of Peru.

"This will be a very important step in shortening the distance and shortening time in order to continue the ties between the Philippines and Peru."

In terms of trade, Boluarte said she wants trade agencies of Peru and the Philippines to work together for the South American country to ship its agricultural products such as grapes, avocados, and blueberries to the Philippines.

Marcos then Boluarte for finding time in her very busy schedule during the APEC meeting in San Francisco to have the bilateral meeting with him.

"It is important especially as you are taking over the chairmanship for the next round of conferences," he said.

"Especially, we are looking forward to coming to Lima, to Peru for the APEC but, of course, thank you again for your very kind invitation to come— to be with you to celebrate the 50th anniversary of our relations— of our formal relations between Peru and the Philippines."

Peru and the Philippines established diplomatic relations on 30 November 1974, with the Philippines setting up its embassy in Lima in 1982 while Peru established its mission in Manila in 1980.

There are approximately 160 Filipinos in Peru as of September 2022, mostly professionals, service and sales workers, missionaries, and students.

The Philippines' main exports to Peru include electronic products, tuna, other manufactures, non-metallic mineral manufactures, and chemicals, among others.

Tourism is another potential area for greater cooperation.

On the other hand, Peru's major exports to the Philippines include metalliferous ores and metal scrap, non-ferrous metal, feeding stuff for animals, metal products, and articles of apparel and accessories.

Investment areas for promotion to Peru include manufacturing (e.g., electronics, energy sector products, food/agribusiness, aerospace) and infrastructure and energy.

With regard to Peru's APEC participation, it previously hosted APEC in 2008 and 2016. Peru's APEC 2024 theme: "Empower. Include. Grow."