Fujimori and Noboa agree that Peru and Ecuador will cooperate against organized crime

Peru's President-elect Keiko Fujimori and Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa have agreed to enhance cooperation in combating transnational organized crime. The leaders met in Lima ahead of Fujimori's inauguration, signaling a commitment to strengthening bilateral ties between the two Andean nations.

During their meeting at the Torre Tagle Palace, the foreign ministry's headquarters, Fujimori and Noboa reaffirmed their dedication to deepening relations based on the 1998 peace accords that resolved a long-standing border dispute. They highlighted the "dynamic political dialogue" achieved through binational cabinets, annual meetings between presidents and ministers to advance their shared agenda.

The leaders confirmed that the next binational cabinet meeting will take place in Lima by the end of the year. Noboa's visit also aimed to advance the high-voltage electrical interconnection project between Peru and Ecuador. This project is crucial for Ecuador's energy security, as the country has faced several periods of electricity rationing since 2023.

President Noboa, who declared a "war" on organized crime in Ecuador in early 2024, faces persistent challenges with high homicide rates. He is among ten heads of state and government attending Fujimori's investiture ceremony in Peru. The agreement underscores a shared regional concern over escalating crime and a mutual desire for collaborative solutions.