From left to right:
Jesus Sierra Victoria, Permanent Representative of Panama to the OAS, with Luis Chuquihuara, Permanent Representative of Peru to the OAS
12:14 | Washington D.C., May. 11.
The government of Peru was handed over the "Presidency of the Process of the Summits of the Americas" during a ceremony held at the Organization of American States (OAS) Headquarters on Tuesday.
The event will be hosted by the Andean country in 2018.
Panamanian Representative to OAS Jesus Sierra reiterated the "historic character" of the forum held in Panama City last year.
"For the first time all Heads of State of the 35 countries of the Americas spoke together with absolute frankness," the diplomat expressed.
At the event “leaders of countries that had held differences for more than 50 years came together," he highlighted.
Likewise, Ambassador Sierra offered Panama’s full support to Peru for hosting the next meeting.
Peruvian Representative to OAS Luis Chuquihuara highlighted the "commendable job of Panama" in seeking consensus, which will map the road towards Lima's gathering and thanked OAS over its support for the organization of the VIII Summit.
Mr. Chuquihuara also expressed the "commitment and responsibility" of his country.
"Peru is ready for the task," he added.
On the other hand, OAS Assistant Secretary General Nestor Mendez reiterated the organization’s support to Peru.
The Summits of the Americas are institutionalized gatherings of the Heads of State and Government from the Western Hemisphere. At meetings, leaders discuss common policy issues, affirm shared values and commit to concerted actions at national and regional levels to address continuing and new challenges faced by the Americas.
(END) NDP/MVB
Published: 5/11/2016