Peru names consul in Caracas as relations with Venezuela resume

Peru has appointed diplomat Alicia María Espinoza Paredes as its new consul general in Caracas, signaling a step towards the full resumption of bilateral ties with Venezuela. The decision, outlined in a supreme resolution signed by President Keiko Fujimori and Foreign Minister Carlos Espá, aims to prioritize the protection and support of Peruvian communities abroad.

The re-establishment of diplomatic relations was announced on July 24, during the government transition from left-wing President José María Balcázar to right-wing President Keiko Fujimori. This development occurred shortly after Peru recognized opposition leader Edmundo González Urrutia as Venezuela's president-elect over Nicolás Maduro.

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The protection and attention to Peruvian communities abroad constitutes one of the priorities of Peru's Foreign Policy.

Previously, on July 30, 2024, Venezuela had severed all relations and closed its consulates in Peru. This action prevented approximately 1.6 million Venezuelans living in Peru from accessing essential services like passport renewals. The Peruvian government stated that reactivating consular relations is the initial phase towards fully restoring bilateral links, emphasizing a commitment to cooperation and integration based on historical Latin American ties.

The resolution highlights that the protection and attention to Peruvian communities abroad are a key priority of Peru's foreign policy. The appointment of Espinoza Paredes, a counselor in the diplomatic service, is intended to facilitate these consular services for Peruvians in Venezuela.

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This firm will for cooperation and integration between our countries is based on the historical ties of friendship and Latin American solidarity that have united Peru and Venezuela since their origins as Republics and inspire their joint efforts for the development and well-being of our peoples and our region.