Paraguay's Peña meets Peru's Fujimori to discuss Pacific Alliance, cooperation

Paraguayan President Santiago Peña held a significant bilateral meeting with Peru's President-elect Keiko Fujimori in Lima, just prior to her assuming the presidential mandate. This initial dialogue focused on enhancing commercial and economic relations between the two nations, exploring avenues for cooperation within the Pacific Alliance, where Paraguay holds observer status, and addressing the critical issue of combating organized crime.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting at the Torre Tagle Palace, the seat of the Peruvian Chancellery, Peña conveyed Paraguay's "enormous affection" for the Peruvian people. He expressed optimism about this "new beginning of a constitutional period," viewing it as an opportunity to strengthen bilateral bonds and foster a more unified South America. Peña stressed the importance of revitalizing regional integration, identifying Fujimori's presidency as a crucial factor in this endeavor.

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Paraguay has enormous affection for the people of Peru.

While acknowledging existing commercial ties between Paraguay and Peru, Peña described them as "very small." He broadened this observation to a regional context, stating, "This is not just a problem between Paraguay and Peru; it is a problem for Latin America. We remain the least commercially integrated region in the world." Paraguay is a member of Mercosur, the Southern Common Market.

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We remain the least commercially integrated region in the world.

Peña also highlighted Peru's foundational role in establishing the Pacific Alliance, alongside Colombia, Chile, and Mexico. Paraguay has been an observer member since 2023. He noted Fujimori's "intention to resume" efforts to strengthen this bloc, expressing Paraguay's desire to "strengthen and find the necessary paths to get closer and closer." Paraguay is making substantial investments in developing a bioceanic corridor to reach Pacific ports, a project expected to improve access to Peruvian and North American markets.

President Peña also urged broad support for Fujimori's incoming government, comparing it to rallying behind a national sports team. He called for all Peruvian sectors to unite behind the new administration with the "single objective: to improve the quality of life of the people, especially the most vulnerable and needy." He emphasized that collaboration among political sectors, while respecting their independence, is essential to meet this challenge.

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Today, Peru must embrace a new government that represents all Peruvians and can work with a single objective: to improve the quality of life of the people, especially the most vulnerable and needy.