The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, and Peru’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, César Landa, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on a programme of enhanced dialogue and cooperation for the next decade, as well as a framework agreement for Peru’s participation in EU crisis management operations, in Brussels on Friday 14 October.
“Today we are strengthening and modernising the framework of our bilateral relationship and opening new chapters of regular dialogue on global challenges such as the green transition, cyber security and illicit drug trafficking”, said Mr Borrell.
“This Memorandum contains a mutual commitment to progress towards a comprehensive political agreement in the future”, said Mr Landa.
The MoU sets out six priorities to guide the development of EU/Peru relations: - the economic, social and digital agendas; - combating climate change, protecting biodiversity and promoting the circular economy; - human rights and democracy, including the strengthening of democratic institutions; - the security and defence agenda, including the fight against transnational organised crime and Peru’s participation in EU crisis management missions; - the fight against illicit drug cultivation and trafficking; - solidarity around the migration crisis, in particular of Venezuelan refugees and its impact on Peru and the region.
On Friday, the EU announced a new contribution of €14 million to support Peru’s ecological transition programme through a specific project on the circular economy.
Asked about the political situation in Peru, marked by accusations of corruption against the President, Pedro Castillo, Mr Borrell said he was “concerned about the intensification of the conflict”, while trusting the country’s political institutions to act in accordance with the interinstitutional framework and in respect of the Rule of law. (Original version in French by Mathieu Bion)