At the invitation of the Peruvian Government, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Josep Borrell, made an official visit to Peru on 1 and 2 November of this year.

On his first day in the country, High Representative/Vice-President Borrell held a cordial meeting with Foreign Minister Oscar Maúrtua, Minister for Health Hernando Cevallos,  Minister for Foreign Trade and Tourism Roberto Sánchez and Deputy Minister for the Economy Alex Contreras Miranda.

The two sides highlighted the very high level of relations and understanding between Peru and the European Union and the strengthening and deepening of political, economic and cooperation ties based on a dynamic relationship sustained by shared values, principles and commitments on democracy, the rule of law, the promotion of and respect for human rights, peace, stability and sustainable development.

They stressed the importance of the various instruments and mechanisms which underpin their bilateral relationship, including the Multi-Party Trade Agreement, the short-stay visa waiver agreement and the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism, which have supported a constructive approach based on common interests and aimed at benefiting citizens and meeting their needs.

They also welcomed the progress made towards the forthcoming signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on an Agenda of enhanced political and sectoral dialogue and cooperation for the next decade between Peru and the European Union, an instrument that will help to address bilateral issues through a comprehensive approach.

In this spirit, the parties agreed to strengthen and broaden the agenda for bilateral cooperation on economic, social and environmental issues, human rights and democracy, gender equality and the protection of minorities and vulnerable groups, security and defence, the fight against organised crime, migration, and science and technology, among other areas, in turn strengthening sectoral dialogues in all areas of cooperation.

In this connection, they welcomed the fact that the Framework Agreement for Peru’s participation in European Union crisis management operations was in the final stage of negotiation and would in the near future allow Peru to contribute to international peace and security missions promoted by the European Union, in accordance with the principles and mandates of the United Nations Charter.

And with regard to the pandemic, they reaffirmed the call to ensure universal access to COVID-19 vaccines as a global public good and to leave no one behind. In this connection, Peru thanked the European Union for its support through the COVAX mechanism. It was also stressed that, Peru  had recently been included on the list of countries recommended by the European Union for exemption from restrictions on non-essential travel to the European Union, in view of the progress made in vaccination campaigns and reducing infections. Both sides agreed that gradually overcoming the pandemic is an opportunity to rebuild better, more sustainable and inclusive societies.

They also acknowledged the EU Election Expert Mission’s observation of the first and second round of the general election held this year in Peru, as well as the Mission’s Final Report which confirmed that the electoral process was carried out with credibility, integrity and transparency and that Peru's electoral bodies had performed their tasks in accordance with the law.

On the second day of his visit – the first made by a High Representative of the European Union to the country in eight years – High Representative/Vice-President Borrell also met with Mr Pedro Castillo Terrones, President of the Republic, María del Carmen Alva, President of the Congress of the Republic of Peru, and various regional governors. He would also meet with representatives of civil society as part of his agenda.

High Representative/Vice-President Borrell indicated that he was pleased to visit Peru in the year it was commemorating the bicentenary of its independence, and at the same time expressed his thanks for the cordial and friendly welcome he had received.