The Embassy of the Republic of Peru celebrated its 203rd anniversary of independence on 26th July 2024 at the Ambassador’s Residence. H.E. Mr Jose Javier Augusto Shaw warmly welcomed guests. Having recently arrived in South Africa, H.E. Mr Shaw looks forward to strengthening relations between the two countries.
Thirty years ago, in 1994, Peru inaugurated its Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa. The history of Peru stretches back more than 5,000 years, marked by the rise of great cultures and civilisations such as Chimor, Caral, Nazca, and the Inca Empire, to name a few. This was followed by the Spanish heritage, and today, Peru is a nation enriched by African and Asian communities. With independence came the Republican period, and over more than 200 years of republican life, Peru, despite facing many difficulties, has achieved numerous accomplishments thanks to the effort and commitment of its people.
“Peru is a country that has significantly increased the per capita income of its population and has reduced both poverty and extreme poverty,” said H.E. Mr Shaw.
However, Peru still faces great challenges ahead in achieving further development and prosperity, promoting greater well-being for its citizens, and ensuring equal opportunities for all. To meet these challenges, Peru must deepen its development model and improve the quality of services it provides to its citizens. Foreign policy and international relations will play an essential role in this process. Peru firmly believes in dialogue as the best means to reach consensus in favour of global stability and remains committed to an international system based on clear and fair rules, respecting the sovereignty of states.
The relationship between Peru and South Africa received a significant boost with the official visit to South Africa by then Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Peru, Mr Ignacio Higueras Hare, at the end of 2023. During this visit, the first meeting of the Political Consultation Mechanism was held, co-chaired by Mr Alvin Botes, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa. Peru sees important opportunities for both countries to continue strengthening bilateral relations, promoting trade, investment, and tourism, and advancing negotiations and agreements of mutual interest. Peru looks forward to hosting the second meeting of political consultations at the vice-ministerial level in 2025 to further promote dialogue and cooperation.
Deputy Minister for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, Hon. Mmapaseka Steve Emily Letsike, congratulated Peru on behalf of the Government of National Unity and the people of South Africa.
“While our two nations enjoy this cordial diplomatic relationship, in seeking to strengthen our ties with Peru, we believe that fostering people-to-people relations plays an immense role in solidifying the lasting friendship between our countries,” said Hon. Letsike.
Guests enjoyed fine Peruvian cuisine in the beautiful gardens once the formalities had concluded.
by Marion Kate
