Your Excellency Claudia Giuliana Betalleluz Otiura, Ambassador of the Republic of Peru in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and Mr. Oscar Octavio Sanchez Zola;
Cabinet Ministers in the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago;
Your Excellency Álvaro Sánchez Cordero, Ambassador of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps;
Your Excellencies, Heads of Missions, and other Members of the Diplomatic Corps;
Staff of the Embassy of Peru and Nationals of Peru resident in Trinidad and Tobago;
Other Distinguished Guests;
Ladies and Gentlemen.
Your Excellency, I thank you for your invitation to deliver remarks on this auspicious occasion in celebration of the 205th anniversary of Independence of the Republic of Peru.
It is therefore with heartfelt warmth, I extend, on behalf of the Government and the People of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, our sincerest congratulations to the people of Peru on this milestone.
I also take the opportunity to convey, on behalf of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago congratulations to the incoming administration of President-elect Keiko (KE-KO) Fujimori (FOO-HEE-MOH-REE), following the general elections in Peru, which concluded on June 7, 2026.
We look forward to further enhancing the diplomatic relations between our countries, first established 58 years ago on February 05, 1968.
Your Excellency, our hearts go out to the people of Peru as you navigate the devastating impact of last Saturday’s earthquake and we stand with you in deep sorrow and solidarity.
In spite of the tragedy, we recognize that Peru stands as an independent, multi ethnic State abound with abundant natural resources; vibrant cultural celebrations and a strong presence in the multilateral fora. Even after two hundred and five years, the desire for freedom, justice and self-determination has not waned. Peruvians know what they want and they are not afraid to strive for it.
Similar to the diversity of its people, its lands stand distinct. La Costa, La Sierra and La Selva: the coast, the highlands and the jungle. These three (3) diverse geographical realms maintain their strong identity, their uniqueness and stand unashamed of their character. Yet, they stand together, bound by purpose and design to form a complete whole, a land of strength and beauty; and a land of great civilisations, with the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu being the most well-known.
We have been fortunate to experience the culture of Peru, not only with the folk dances which showcased the country’s multi-ethnic history at Latin Nights V in 2025 at the National Library, but we equally recognise that some of you attended last week’s cultural exhibition of Peruvian artist Fernando de Szyszlo at the Loftt Gallery in Woodbrook.
We understand that guests were able to enjoy a sampling of Peru’s renowned Pisco cocktails. Tonight, we are in for another treat and we look forward to leaving here with a deeper appreciation for Peruvian creole music after experiencing the performance of José “Pepe” Arcela.
Excellency, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago is deeply committed to seeking closer relations with our Latin American partners, hence the application in February 2026, to join Peru as an Associate State in the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR). While enhanced trade is important to us, Trinidad and Tobago is keenly interested in fostering closer cooperation in the spheres of agriculture, education, energy, culture, security and technology. The list is never exhaustive.
As such, we look forward to establishing and convening the first meeting of the Political Consultation Mechanism, in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding signed by our countries.
Indeed, we recognise that we face similar security challenges and share common goals for the safety and prosperity of our people. On this note, we humbly take this opportunity to express sincere appreciation to the Government of Peru for supporting the election of Trinidad and Tobago for non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council for the period 2027 to 2028 in pursuit of the theme “Building Consensus for the Realisation of Sustainable Peace and Security”.
Such bilateral engagement in the multilateral sphere continued earlier this month with the visit to Peru by the Honourable Wayne Sturge, Minister of Defence, and Commodore Don Polo, Chief of Defence Staff, to attend the Conference of Ministers of Defence of the Americas. This is the type of collaboration that we eagerly hope to expand over the next two years and beyond.
Excellency, Ladies and Gentlemen,
As I close, I wish to express to the people of Peru that they have demonstrated resilience, strength, beauty and character. In this regard, may the people under the shadow of the Andes Mountains continue to enjoy freedom, justice and prosperity and, may you continue to grow ever stronger as a Nation.
¡Feliz Día de la Independencia!
Thank you very much
