Diplomatist Magazine Diplomatist July 2018 | Page 9

MESSAGE FROM H.E. SUSHMA SWARAJ EXTERNAL AFFAIRS MINISTER OF INDIA I am glad that year 2018 marks the 55 th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Peru. I am also pleased that a special publication is being brought out by Embassy of Peru, New Delhi chronicling main events in the 55 years of diplomatic relations. The chronology is a testimony to warm and friendly relations between our two countries. As we celebrate 55 years of our modern journey, it is worthwhile to recall 5000 years of rich history and heritage that our two countries have inherited by being cradles of human civilization. The valleys of Indus and Caral showed the world how progressive our ancestors were with their wise planning, ingenious design and advanced practices. The two wonders-Taj Mahal of India and Machu Picchu of Peru-continue to mesmerize visitors around the globe. The shared vision, goodwill, and desire for mutual prosperity have guided ties between our two countries. The relationship has emerged as a multifaceted one with growing bilateral trade and in-vestment, engagement covering new areas of in-formation technology, space, energy, science and technology, defense, traditional systems of medicine etc. and close cooperation in multilateral fora. Peru has become an important partner for India in Latin America. The bilateral trade is increasing and the investments in each other’s territory are growing. Given the potential and complementary nature of our economies this can only grow. Both countries have embarked on negotiations to fi nalise a Trade Agreement covering trade in goods, services and investments. Peruvians have widely participated in training and human resource development programmes in India under the Indian Technica l and Economic Cooperation (ITEC). The India-Peru Centre for Excellence in Information Technology (CEIT) established three years ago in Lima with the Government of India’s assistance is a symbol of Development Partnership between the two countries. Our cooperation at UN and multilateral fora is characterized by shared beliefs, values and commitments. We both seek expansion of UNSC to refl ect the reality of the contemporary world and Peru supports India’s claim for permanent membership in the expanded Security Council. The two countries have strongly condemned all forms of terrorism and its perpetrators. As we commemorate the 55 th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, the Government of India reaffi rms its commitment to work with the Government of Peru to strengthen our relations in all sectors of the bilateral partnership for the mutual prosperity of the peoples of India and Peru. Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Diplomatist • Vol 6 • Issue 7 • July 2018, Noida • 9