Wang Yi Speaks with Peruvian Foreign Minister Oscar Maurtua on the Phone

On December 23, 2021, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a phone conversation with Peruvian Foreign Minister Oscar Maurtua.

Wang Yi said that China and Peru enjoy a long-lasting traditional friendship. No matter how the international landscape changes, China-Peru relations will always maintain a momentum of steady development and be the "front-runner" in relations between China and Latin American and Caribbean countries. Not long ago, the two heads of state exchanged messages to congratulate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Peru. It fully reflects the high importance attached to bilateral relations by the two sides and the goodwill to deepen friendly cooperation. China stands ready to work with Peru to implement the important consensus between the two heads of state and advance the China-Peru comprehensive strategic partnership to new heights.

Wang Yi extended his congratulations on the 200th anniversary of the independence of Peru. He said that as representatives of developing countries and emerging economies, China and Peru share broad common interests and aspirations, and both hope to accelerate national development and rejuvenation. The cooperation between the two countries is South-South cooperation that features mutual assistance and mutual support, and has great potential and bright prospects. We should hold high the banner of multilateralism, defend the international system with the United Nations at its core, and safeguard the common interests of developing countries, especially emerging economies. China will continue supporting Peru in safeguarding its sovereign independence, national dignity and legitimate rights and interests. The Chinese side believes that Peru will also continue supporting China's position on issues concerning China's core interests and major concerns, so as to consolidate mutual trust and the political foundation of bilateral relations.

Wang Yi said that China and Peru have worked together to fight against COVID-19, which is a new chapter of our friendship. China was the first country to provide COVID-19 vaccines to Peru. We will continue supporting Peru in completely defeating the pandemic. China has been Peru's largest trading partner and a major investor for seven consecutive years. The two sides need to step up efforts to conclude negotiations on upgrading our free trade agreement and steadily proceed with priority projects of pragmatic cooperation. China is willing to encourage more established and credible Chinese enterprises to invest and run business in Peru. China expects a favorable and stable investment environment in Peru and stands ready to import more Peruvian specialty products of good quality.

Wang Yi said that the Global Development Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping aims to forge global synergy, help developing countries achieve economic recovery at an early date, and promote the timely implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Peru is an active advocate of multilateralism and an important defender of the rights and interests of developing countries. China welcomes Peru to support and participate in this initiative. The Chinese side supports Peru in hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in 2024 and is willing to work with Peru for new progress in the APEC cooperation.

Maurtua said that Peru and China celebrated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties this year, and bilateral relations have reached a new level. Peru is willing to deepen cooperation in various fields between the two countries, accelerate the negotiations on upgrading the free trade agreement, and further improve the Peru-China comprehensive strategic partnership. Peru sincerely thanks China for providing vital support and experience for Peru's fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, and is willing to strengthen cooperation with China in healthcare and the resumption of work and production in the post-pandemic era. The practical bilateral cooperation has brought tangible benefits to Peru, and he welcomes more Chinese enterprises to invest in Peru. When the two countries first established diplomatic relations, Peru explicitly stated that the People's Republic of China is the only legitimate government representing the whole of China, and it will continue firmly pursuing the one-China policy. As representatives of emerging economies, Peru and China share similar positions in international and regional affairs and play significant roles. Peru thanks China for supporting it in hosting APEC. Peru will always staunchly support multilateralism while attaching great importance to and seriously studying the Global Development Initiative proposed by China.