LIMA, May 4 (NNN-ANDINA) — The bilateral relationship between Peru and Japan is in an excellent state, which translates into bilateral trade and the presence of both cultures in their territories, Peruvian Foreign Affairs Minister Ana Cecilia Gervasi said.
She met with her Japanese counterpart, Yoshimasa Hayashi, as part of his visit to the South American country, celebrating the 150th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
At the end of the meeting, the Peruvian diplomat highlighted the existing common ties, stating that in 2022 the bilateral exchange between Peru and Japan totaled US$4.2 billion —an amount that is higher than that of the previous year.
Therefore, Japan ranks as Peru’s fourth-largest trading partner. It is also “one of the main destinations for our exports.”
Likewise, the Peruvian diplomat stressed that the Nikkei community, or of Japanese descendants, in Peru is the third-largest in the world by including more than 100,000 people.
On the other hand, the Peruvian community in Japan, with 50,000 people, is the largest Spanish-speaking community in the Asian nation.
“The bilateral relationship that began on August 21, 1873, is in excellent state,” Gervasi said, adding this is also based on shared values and respect for democracy.
During the event, the Peruvian Foreign Affairs minister conveyed to Hayashi, the Peruvian Government’s gratitude for the cooperation provided by Japan in delivering humanitarian aid for those affected by recent floods in the Peruvian north, and donating 32 ambulances.
Moreover, Gervasi asked him to inform Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida that he is invited to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum Summit, which will be held in Peru in 2024.
Similarly, Hayashi was asked to invite more Japanese companies to participate in investment projects, especially in infrastructure, in Peru by making use of the bilateral economic partnership agreement signed more than 10 years ago.
Prior to this meeting, both Ministers, Gervasi and Hayashi, met with President Dina Boluarte at the Government Palace in the Peruvian capital, Lima.
The foreign dignitary’s visit takes place five years after the last one made to the South American country by a Japanese official from his hierarchy.
His arrival in Peru occurs within the framework of the celebrations for the 150th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. — NNN-ANDINA
