19:06 | Arequipa (Arequipa region), Jan. 27.
President Juan Manuel Santos announced Colombia and Peru agreed to create a joint fund to promote cross-border integration between both nations. Each country will be assigned a US$1 million initial quota.
He said the 3rd Binational Cabinet was a successful meeting and resulted in 120 commitments, scheduled to be implemented within the next year.
"We will start up a fund for cross-border integration, and each country will be assigned a US$1 million initial quota; plus, the money will be allocated to border area development programs," he said at a press conference joined by President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski.
Programs will cover electrical interconnection, culture and sport promotion, and aim to improve well-being of mothers and children in both countries.
The border population on both sides will be issued identification cards, and Colombia will build an indoor playground in Leticia, where Peruvian children will be welcomed.
The two countries agreed to give their products greater access to each other's markets so as to boost international trade, and decided to let Colombian pork enter Peru without restrictions.
Santos noted Peru will share its experience in agro-industrial development, as a contribution to Colombia's post-conflict era, to provide farmers with new alternatives.
On the other hand, there is this binational plan to develop joint operations against international crime and articulate efforts to tackle international corruption.
According to the Colombian leader, one of the 11 signed documents addresses the establishment of a joint embassy in Azerbaijan.
Lastly, he announced an online summit —between Pacific Alliance presidents— will be held in the following days prior to the June meeting, in a bid to address international issues.
(END) JCC/CCR/RMB/MVB
Published: 1/27/2017