In a significant move to bolster bilateral relations, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Peruvian President Dina Boluarte issued a joint statement on Thursday in Lima, agreeing to deepen their comprehensive strategic partnership. The announcement came after productive talks between the two leaders in Peru’s capital.
Over the past 53 years since establishing diplomatic ties, and particularly since forming a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2013, China and Peru have strengthened mutual trust and expanded practical cooperation across various sectors. The leaders acknowledged the tangible benefits this partnership has brought to their peoples.
The two nations pledged to enhance cooperation in strategic areas such as infrastructure, energy, and mining. Emphasizing the mutual advantages of China’s development, both sides agreed that it presents new opportunities for developing countries like Peru. China reiterated its support for Peru’s pursuit of economic and social development in accordance with its national conditions.
A key highlight of the meeting was the signing of a protocol to upgrade their free trade agreement. Both countries expressed willingness to promote trade and investment facilitation, strengthen customs inspection and quarantine cooperation, and boost trade in high value-added products.
The joint statement also emphasized exploring new avenues of cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative to achieve mutual benefits and promote sustainable development. China and Peru are prepared to collaborate on large-scale infrastructure projects, adhering to their respective national laws.
The opening of Chancay Port was recognized as an important step toward establishing Peru as a leading logistical, technological, and industrial hub, strengthening trade relations between Latin America and Asia. The two countries are eager to incorporate projects in emerging areas such as circular economy, sustainable agriculture, industrial and supply chains, digital economy investment, and green development into their bilateral cooperation.
Advancing connectivity was also on the agenda, with both nations welcoming the establishment of aviation links by Chinese airlines through code-sharing agreements, laying the groundwork for direct flights between China and Peru.
Recognizing the importance of artificial intelligence capacity building, China and Peru committed to enhancing digital competitiveness among all people, especially vulnerable groups. They also expressed a willingness to cooperate in the fishing industry to promote its sustainable development.
On the international front, the two countries reaffirmed their adherence to multilateralism and pledged to uphold the United Nations-centered international system and the international order based on international law. They advocated for strengthening multilateral cooperation to jointly tackle global challenges.
China and Peru reiterated their support for an open, transparent, and non-discriminatory multilateral trading system centered on the World Trade Organization (WTO). They committed to actively promoting WTO reform, restoring the normal functioning of the dispute settlement mechanism, and enhancing the authority and effectiveness of the multilateral trading system.
Reference(s):
China, Peru agree to deepen comprehensive strategic partnership
cgtn.com
