Diplomatist Magazine Diplomatist July 2018 | Page 8

MESSAGE FROM
H.E. NÉSTOR POPOLIZIO
MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF PERU
The year 2018 sets a landmark for India and Peru. Not only do we celebrate the
establishment of our diplomatic relations 55 years ago, but we are also witnessing
an unprecedented growth in our bilateral ties, which have turned India into Peru’s
seventh largest trading partner.
Peru recognises India’s place at the crossroads of history, commerce and
diplomacy in Asia. Similarities between our nations date back over 5000 years, as
both Caral and the Indus Valley have been cradles of civilization. Today, we can
look back on a diplomatic history of more than 40 high-level visits, 31 bilateral
agreements and an ever-increasing trade fl ow, all of which put in evidence the
development of a mutually benefi cial relation between our nations. The Trade
Agreement between Peru and India, which is currently under negotiation, shall be
an instrument to harness the competitiveness of our economies and will serve to
bring about growth and prosperity to our countries. Our relationship has diversifi ed,
now shaped by close cooperation in more fi elds than ever before, such as education,
energy, science and technology.
Despite geographical distance and differences in language, cultural relations
between our people have greatly developed since the start of our bilateral relation.
The opening of the Cultural Centre of the Embassy of India in Lima and the Art
Gallery of the Embassy of Peru in Delhi sets a new milestone for our two nations,
promoting an ample variety of regular cultural exchanges.
Our agenda for the future is indeed ambitious. Peru seeks to step up its
engagement with India, thus laying the foundation for a strategic partnership in
the upcoming years. The establishment of the Peru-India Joint Commission is a
major stride in this direction. Our countries also share a global vision that includes
a call for action in peace and security, the reform of the United Nations, and a
variety of other key multilateral issues. Peru supports India’s aspiration to attain
a permanent membership of the UN Security Council and supports the Indian
initiative of the International Solar Alliance. Moreover, Peru welcomed India as
an observer Member of the Pacifi c Alliance, a group that gathers our like-minded
partners who share a strong orientation towards Asia.
These events enhance the signifi cance of our relationship. Beginning with the
initial interactions that preceded the establishment of our diplomatic relations,
the book spans the entire history of our political, military, economic, social, and
cultural ties. I am sure this publication will reach many interested readers.
8 • Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Diplomatist • Vol 6 • Issue 7 • July 2018, Noida