Joint Statement by the President of the Republic of Peru, Pedro Pablo Kuczynski and the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins
Date: Fri 10th Feb, 2017 | 15:27
At the invitation of the President of Peru, Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, paid an official visit to Peru on 9 and 10 February, 2017. This was the first visit by an Irish Head of State to Peru and a milestone in bilateral relations between the countries. In this context, the President of Peru announced the opening of a Peruvian Embassy in Dublin during 2017, with a view to strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.
The leaders stressed the shared values and principles of both countries and their commitment to democracy, the protection of human rights and respect for the rule of law. They also expressed their desire to strengthen political, economic and cultural ties between Ireland and Peru. In this context, President Kuczynski recalled the historic contribution of the Irish to Peru and Latin America´s independence.
Both Presidents stressed the importance of working together to promote global governance and the achievement of the UN 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for the Establishment of a Political Consultation Mechanism between Peru and Ireland to allow for regular high-level meetings on issues of common interest. They also expressed interest in exchanging experience in the area of social policy, in particular in relation to efforts to reduce poverty and inequality. The Presidents also agreed on the importance of promoting and deepening cooperation between the countries in the field of education, including through possible future cooperation in areas such as science and technology, research and innovation.
In this context, they welcomed the signing of the Declaration of Intent between the National Scholarship and Educational Loan Program (PRONABEC) of Peru and the University College Cork, strengthening cooperation on human capital development through postgraduate studies in the University College of Cork, in programmes relevant to scientific and technological development of Peru such as the Presidential Scholarship Beca ¨Presidente de la República del Perú¨ and the Programme specialising in Pedagogy for Teaching of English. The Presidents also encouraged future initiatives of collaboration schemes and student-exchange programs of mutual benefit between universities from both countries.
The Presidents recognized the importance of promoting free trade as a pillar of sustainable economic development and noted the opportunity for increased trade between Peru and Ireland arising from the Trade Agreement between the European Union and Peru – in particular for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The President of Peru also briefed the President of Ireland on the role of the Pacific Alliance in deepening integration and cooperation between its member countries and welcomed the interest of Ireland in this process.
The President of Ireland acknowledged the efforts of Peru to meet the standards of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and its aspiration to become a member-state in the near future.
Both leaders greeted the forthcoming start of operations of Viva Air Peru airline, as a result of Irish investment, which will fly between Lima and eight cities within Peru.
During his visit, President Higgins gave a keynote lecture on Roger Casement, highlighting his pioneering contribution to the defence of human dignity and individual rights in Peru and other countries in South America.
In recognition to his commitment to deepening and enhancing links between Ireland and Latin America and Peru, President Kuczynski bestowed upon President Higgins the Grand Collar of the Order “El Sol del Peru”, the highest distinction awarded by the Peruvian Government.
Lima, 10 February 2017