16:26 | Arequipa (Arequipa region), Jan. 27.
Peru and Colombia will continue to cooperate and work hand-in-hand on various topics of the joint agenda, Peruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski affirmed on Friday.
Said topics include the fight against illegal mining, drug-trafficking and even corruption.
"We are here shaking hands for the sake of collaboration between these two major South American countries. Let us work together, I am confident we will continue to do so," he said joined by Colombian counterpart Juan Manuel Santos, whom he called his friend.
Regarding illegal mining and drug trafficking, the Head of State noted both countries are committed to continue fighting said cross-border crimes.
As for the latter, he noted Latin America must "turn the page," alluding Brazilian companies' bribes to secure public contracts in various countries.
On the other hand, the statesman highlighted the relevance of the Pacific Alliance, a 200-million people economic bloc composed of Peru, Colombia, Chile and Mexico.
In this respect, he noted Latin America ought to work as a whole on common ideals such as global trade, which has helped several countries overcome crises and rise from the ashes.
The 78-year-old also addressed climate change, a global issue of particular concern to both Peru and Colombia.
"While we do not have the solution, there are signs that we can actually do something [about it]. That is why we had consecutive COP conferences, including COP 20 a couple of years ago [in Lima]. We have to support that," he pointed out.
Lastly, the Peruvian leader expressed his gratitude to Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos and his entourage for their solidarity and sympathy with landslide and flooding victims.
As is known, the Inca nation has been at the mercy of several landslides over the past weeks, as a result of torrential downpours overflowing rivers in different regions.
Remarks were made following the 3rd Peru-Colombia Binational Cabinet and Presidential Meeting held in southern Arequipa region.
Finally, the top officials signed the Arequipa Declaration, laying down agreements reached by both delegations.
(END) MVF/CCR/DHT/MVB
Published: 1/27/2017