Peru takes to the great international stage! President Keiko Fujimori is traveling to New York – and has a full agenda at the United Nations. Security, investment, and Peru's role in the world are taking center stage.
Today, September 21, marks the beginning of the Peruvian President's first trip abroad since taking office. Fujimori will be in the USA until September 25. The Peruvian Senate approved the trip with 34 votes in favor, twelve against, and three abstentions.
Peru speaks to the world
The most important event awaits on Tuesday. On September 22, Fujimori is scheduled to address the 81st General Assembly of the United Nations. According to the Peruvian Congress, she intends to present the priorities of her government and the key guidelines of Peruvian foreign policy there.
A primary focus will be international crime. Peru intends to demonstrate how the country aims to take action against transnational organized crime. The government is pointing, among other things, to international cooperation on security issues.
Security becomes a major topic
This brings a problem that has been a major concern within Peru to the international stage. Organized crime, extortion, and cross-border criminal networks are among the issues the government is addressing.
Fujimori intends to speak about her government's measures in New York. Peru is now represented in both the so-called Grupo de Santiago and the "Escudo de las Américas" (Shield of the Americas) initiative promoted by the USA.
But New York is to mean more for Peru than just politics and security.
Peru aims to convince investors
The President also wants to use the trip to promote investment in Peru. Discussions with heads of state and government, representatives of international organizations, and business leaders are planned.
The agenda includes events with the development bank CAF and the Americas Society/Council of the Americas, among others.
Fujimori is accompanied by Foreign Minister Carlos Espá, among others. Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism Rogers Valencia is also traveling to the USA. Valencia is scheduled to participate in economic events and discussions with companies focused on private investment in Peru.
The USA is also in the spotlight
It will be particularly interesting to see what role relations between Peru and the United States play during the trip.
Before her departure, Fujimori had already stated that Peru aims to achieve a re-evaluation of US tariffs on Peruvian exports. According to her, the topic had already been raised with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
As such, the trip to New York is not just about broad foreign policy statements; for Peru, concrete economic interests are on the agenda.
At least six bilateral meetings planned
Fujimori announced at least six bilateral meetings as well as participation in five additional conferences. She also stated that she has been invited to a dinner organized by US President Donald Trump.
Foreign Minister Espá has further appointments in parallel. Planned meetings include discussions with the foreign ministers of other nations, as well as sessions of CELAC and a ministerial meeting between CELAC and the European Union.
The world meets in New York
The Peruvian delegation arrives in New York in a tense international climate. Wars and conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, the future of international cooperation, and the handling of artificial intelligence are among the major topics of this year's UN week.
For Peru, the trip is therefore more than a formal obligation at the United Nations. The government wants to present the country as an international partner, seek support in the fight against organized crime, and simultaneously attract investors to Peru.
Tuesday will mark the most important moment: the Peruvian President will speak before the UN General Assembly – and Peru will deliver its message directly to the world.
