Peruvian President Dina Ercilia Boluarte Zegarra is set to embark on her first state visit to China from June 25 to 29 at the invitation of President Xi Jinping, according to an announcement by the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Monday.
The two leaders are expected to meet in Beijing, with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and the Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress Zhao Leji also scheduled to hold meetings with President Boluarte. The visit aims to enhance political mutual trust, deepen practical cooperation, and advance the China-Peru comprehensive strategic partnership.
The last meeting between President Xi and President Boluarte occurred in November last year during the 30th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting in San Francisco. They discussed strengthening traditional cooperation in areas such as energy and mineral resources and explored new cooperation opportunities in the digital economy and green development.
During that meeting, President Xi expressed China’s willingness to import more agricultural products from Peru and encouraged Chinese enterprises to participate in Peru’s major projects. Both sides agreed to enhance collaboration in education, culture, tourism, and technology.
President Boluarte’s visit will include stops in Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Shanghai, and Beijing. Promoting economic and trade cooperation is one of the top priorities on her agenda, as reported by Peruvian media.
China is Peru’s largest trading partner, while Peru stands as China’s second-largest investment destination in Latin America. The two nations signed a free trade agreement in 2009, effective from 2010, and a Memorandum of Understanding on Belt and Road Cooperation in 2019, marking significant milestones in their bilateral relations.
Peru is set to host the APEC summit in November, and one of the major China-Peru Belt and Road cooperation projects, the Chancay Port, is expected to be completed and commence trial operations later this year. The APEC meeting is likely to coincide with the inauguration of this flagship port, symbolizing the deepening ties between the two countries.
Reference(s):
China, Peru aim to beef up trade, BRI cooperation via Boluarte's visit
cgtn.com
