PH, Peru eye stronger ties in post-pandemic era
At A Glance
- Marcos notes how the Philippines and Peru have enjoyed good ties but said that it was important for both countries to collaborate further.
- Bazán says the Philippines is an important trade partner for Peru, especially in 2022, when Philippine exports to Peru reached $36.3 million.
- Both nations will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations in 2024.
The Philippines and Peru have agreed to boost their partnership to address different challenges as the world recovers from the Covid-19 pandemic.
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said this as he welcomed Ambassador Cecilia Zunilda Galarreta Bazán, Peru's non-resident ambassador to the Philippines, to Malacañang on Tuesday, Aug. 15.
In accepting the credentials of the Peruvian envoy, Marcos said it was important that the two countries collaborate further, especially in the post-pandemic era.
"It is imperative that we all work together. No matter how big or rich or strong a country is, I don’t think there is a single country that can manage this by themselves," he said.
"Simply because of the way we operate, the way we work, the way we live. We are dependent on many things outside of our own country. So, we should really… I think that’s one of the lessons that Covid taught us," he added.
The President particularly pointed out how the crisis led countries to look for new ways of doing business following the disruption of the food supply chain as well as other essential commodities.
"We can continue to do what we did before but we still have to find new ways," Marcos said.
"I know that these partnerships that we build with our friends around the world will always [be] mutually beneficial to our countries. And I hope that’s what we can do now," he added.
Bazán agreed with Marcos, saying that, in an interconnected world, nations need to work together to be more effective in tackling global challenges.
She also stressed how the Philippines continues to be an important trade partner for Peru, especially in 2022, when Philippine exports to Peru reached $36.3 million while its imports were recorded at $2.9 million. Its main exports to the South American country include electronic products, tuna, other manufactures, non-metallic mineral manufactures, and chemicals.
"We are really looking forward to deepening that relationship," Bazán said.
"You’re a model for us in the sense that you are already exporting added value products that is something that… We are mostly exporting raw materials," she added.
The Peruvian ambassador also noted that Peru and the Philippines face common issues like sustainable and inclusive development, technology, innovation, climate change, and education. Both countries likewise share similarities in religion, traditions, culture, values, and cuisine, given that both are former Spanish colonies.
According to the Presidential Communications Office, the Philippines and Peru have regularly supported each other in various multilateral fora such as the United Nations (UN), the Forum for East Asia-Latin America Cooperation (FEALAC), or the APEC-Pacific Alliance and ASEAN-Pacific Alliance dialogues.
Peru is hosting the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in 2024.
Bazan’s appointment as new envoy to the Philippines came as both nations mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations next year.