Chilean President Kast arrives in Lima for Fujimori's inauguration

Chilean President José Antonio Kast arrived in Lima on Monday to participate in the inauguration ceremony of Peru's President-elect Keiko Fujimori. Kast, accompanied by his wife María Pía Adriasola, was received at the military airport by Defense Minister Amadeo Flores and was expected at the Government Palace for an official dinner hosted by interim President José María Balcázar.

Kast's visit underscores the ongoing dialogue between Chile and Peru on critical regional issues. On July 10, Kast and Fujimori held a video call to discuss migration matters and the necessity of enhanced coordination to combat transnational organized crime. During the call, which also included Chilean Foreign Minister Francisco Pérez Mackenna, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral friendship and cooperation.

Their discussions also focused on the importance of revitalizing the Pacific Alliance, a key mechanism for economic and trade integration with a focus on the Asia-Pacific markets. Both nations, as full members, see the alliance as crucial for joint projection. The leaders also addressed challenges in migration and the need for regional coordination against drug trafficking and other threats affecting both countries.

Kast has publicly advocated for a humanitarian corridor for irregular migrants, supported by neighboring countries, as a potential solution to the migration and security crisis. However, the Peruvian government has expressed reservations about Kast's original proposal due to security risks, lack of transit guarantees, and the possibility of migrants settling in Peru.