King of Spain Meets Peru President, Highlighting Historic Friendship

King Felipe VI of Spain met with Peru's interim President José María Balcázar in Lima on Monday, July 27, 2026, emphasizing the "historic ties of friendship" between the two nations. The meeting, held at the Government Palace, reaffirmed their commitment to bolster the Enhanced Strategic Partnership established in 2015.

Balcázar, who is set to hand over presidential powers to President-elect Keiko Fujimori on Tuesday, welcomed the Spanish monarch. The King's presence at the transfer of power ceremony was seen as a significant affirmation of the close relationship between Peru and Spain, built on cooperation, dialogue, and shared democratic values.

During their discussion, the leaders reviewed bilateral relations and addressed common interests, including political dialogue, trade, investment, development cooperation, and the joint fight against organized crime and drug trafficking. They also acknowledged the vital role of the Peruvian community in Spain, numbering approximately half a million people, as a crucial human, social, and cultural bridge between the two countries.

Both authorities stressed the importance of finalizing an agreement to avoid double taxation and prevent tax evasion, which is expected to stimulate new investments and strengthen economic ties. King Felipe VI arrived in Lima earlier that day and was received by Peru's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carlos Pareja, and the Peruvian Ambassador to Spain, Alejandro Abellán García de Diego.

This marks King Felipe VI's second attendance at a presidential inauguration in Peru since becoming king, having previously attended Pedro Castillo's ceremony five years prior. Keiko Fujimori's upcoming presidency signifies the return of Fujimorismo to power nearly twenty-six years after her father, Alberto Fujimori, resigned amid a corruption scandal.