FRIDAY, JULY 27TH, 2018 - 6:30 P.M.
It gives me pleasure to share your company this evening as we celebrate together the 197th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Peru. On behalf of the Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Keith Rowley and the Government and People of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, I extend warm congratulations as you commemorate this auspicious occasion. This year’s celebration is doubly special, given that it coincides with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Trinidad and Tobago and Peru.
Bilateral relations
Over the past half a century, our two countries have maintained robust and positive relations, which only continue to grow from strength to strength. Trinidad and Tobago viewed the decision of the Peruvian Government to re-establish a resident Mission in Port of Spain in 2015 as a reflection of the importance attached to enhancing bilateral ties and strengthening the bonds of friendship, dialogue and cooperation between both nations. I am truly delighted to observe that this decision has borne fruit, as within these past three years, the bilateral agenda has intensified markedly. This is due, in no small part, to the experience and ingenuity of His
Excellency Luis Rodomiro Hernández Ortiz, Ambassador of the Republic of Peru to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, whose genuine affection for this country is evident in the enthusiasm with which he pursues his mandate.
Trinidad and Tobago and Peru have renewed their resolve to construct a solid, formalized framework for cooperation in a number of strategic areas, including security and defense cooperation, disaster preparedness and cultural cooperation. We are also continuing to explore new areas for South-South Cooperation and the sharing of best practices, expertise and insights in areas as diverse as intellectual property, fisheries and mining.
Multilateral relations
In April of this year, I was fortunate enough to visit Peru in my capacity as Head of Delegation to the VIII Summit of the Americas, which was held in Lima under the theme “Democratic Governance against Corruption”. In this regard, I take this opportunity to place on record the gratitude of Trinidad and Tobago for the warm welcome and excellent arrangements put in place by Peru, which has a proven track record for the successful hosting of major high-level events.
The main outcome of the Summit was the adoption of the Lima Commitment, which encompasses fifty-seven (57) concrete measures and actions aimed at combatting corruption, improving transparency and access to information and promoting good governance. Not content to allow these measures to remain mere words on paper, Peru is also championing a mechanism to facilitate the transparent follow-up of the actions adopted by countries in fulfilment of the Lima Commitment. This mechanism is also designed to promote the exchange of best practices and technical capacities to prevent and fight against corruption in the hemisphere. Trinidad and Tobago is very supportive of this initiative.
Trinidad and Tobago deeply values the strong bonds of friendship that underpin our relations with Peru. It is such strong partnership and cooperation between Trinidad and Tobago and countries like Peru which provide the momentum for us to achieve our common aspirations.
Ladies and gentlemen, I invite you to join me in a toast to the Government and people of the Republic of Peru in the celebration of the achievement of one hundred and ninety-seven years of independence and to the continued enhancement of the strong ties between the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and the Republic of Peru.
I thank you for your attention.
Click to download statement document- Remarks delivered by the Minister of MFCA at the anniversary of the Independence of Peru
