Peru-China relations to be strengthened

Updated: 2011-11-02 14:19

(Xinhua)

  Comments() Print Mail Large Medium  Small 分享按钮 0

LIMA - Peru's relationship with China is very important and will be continuously strengthened, Peruvian Foreign Minister Rafael Roncagliolo said here Tuesday in an interview with Xinhua.

He said the friendship between the two countries as well as between the peoples is cherished by all Peruvians, "the bilateral relations have in the last 40 years developed into multiple inter-state relations, with first the recognition of China, and subsequently the recognition of 'one China' policy."

The bilateral relations have been enhanced recently with the strategic association and signing of the Free Trade Agreement between China and Peru in 2010, and Peruvian culture today is "inlaid with Chinese influence," he said.

Since Peru's new President Ollanta Humala took office in July, he has made it clear that he wants "a larger bilateral relationship with China," which for Peru is part of the strategic efforts in the fight against poverty.

Roncagliolo noted that both countries are members of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, and complementary in trade.

In the last few years, China has surpassed the United States to become the largest importer of Peruvian products. Peru hopes that the strengthened trade relations would help increase its state revenue to improve social situation.

"We hope that this strategic association that we have with China will spread into multiple dimensions," Roncagliolo said.

The exchange of technical visits in mining industry, based on transfer of technology, are also important within the bilateral relationship.

He said the value of aid under the program of Official Assistance for Development (AOD) from China to Peru reached $18.5 million in the 2006-2010 period, which was allocated in health, education, culture, environment and agriculture fields.

Roncagliolo also reassured that Peru respects all the already signed agreements with other countries including China, though some changes have to be done based on common agreement, not in a unilateral way.

He also said the growing influence of the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) in Latin America reflected a new modality in the international economic arena, which is very welcomed by Peru.

"We believe the BRICS countries are contributing to establishing a multilateral criteria for international relations, which Peru has defended since long ago," he said.