Verklaring Van Rompuy na ontmoeting met president van Peru (en) - Montesquieu Instituut

EUCO 115/12

PRESSE 265

PR PCE 98

Press Statement by the President of the European Council,

Mr. Herman Van Rompuy following the meeting with the President of Peru, Mr. Ollanta Humala Tasso

I should like to welcome the President of Peru, Mr. Ollanta Humala, on his first visit to the EU institutions.

The President’s visit has given us a good opportunity to build upon the excellent relations between the European Union and the Republic of Peru. The EU is one of the top trade partners of Peru and the most important foreign investor. The EU is also the largest provider of foreign aid to Peru. We have regular policy dialogue and cooperation in many areas from social inclusion to security and the fight against drugs.

Today’s meeting comes at a timely juncture to reflect our bilateral relations. The Council of the EU just recently approved the signing of a Free Trade Agreement, which we concluded with Peru and Columbia in 2010.

We have noted the ongoing efforts to ensure the ratification and implementation of the Trade Agreement. We both recalled its significant potential in boosting trade relations and EU investments. Politically, the Agreement will strengthen the EU’s ties with Latin America and underline that our partnership is based on the respect of democratic principles, human rights and the rule of law. In short, I remain convinced that this Agreement is important and that it will bring mutual benefits.

Peru is a good example of a country that has succeeded in overcoming a severe economic crisis. It is now one of the fastest growing economies in the world. I commended President Humala for his efforts to enhance economic development and promote social inclusion of all Peruvians.

I reiterated the EU’s support for a new comprehensive anti-drugs policy of the Peruvian government. The EU will help Peru, politically and financially, to tackle the growing challenge of production of illicit drugs and narco-trafficking, which directly affect also Europe. I also took note of President Humala’s commitment to address the social and environmental concerns related to mining projects in cooperation with indigenous and local people.

Finally, we exchanged views on prospects for regional integration in Latin America and relations between our two continents. We both underlined our support for further regional integration and for strengthening the Strategic Partnership between the EU and Latin America.

I look forward to further discussions with President Humala next January at the Summit between the European Union and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States. Thank you for your visit to Brussels.