China-Peru relations have long been at the forefront of China-LAC relations: Chinese FM

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday said that China-Peru relations have long been at the forefront of China and Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) countries' relations.

Wang, also member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during a meeting with his Peruvian counterpart Elmer Schialer Salcedo on the sidelines of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

He noted that Peruvian President Dina Boluarte's successful state visit to China earlier this year has led to a new phase in bilateral cooperation. The two heads of state jointly witnessed the signing of the Joint Action Plan of the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Peru (2024-2029) and announced the completion of negotiations on upgrading the China-Peru free trade agreement, marking a new phase in bilateral cooperation.

China places high importance on its relationship with Peru, Wang said, voicing active support for the success of this year's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting to be hosted by Peru.

He emphasized China's readiness to work with Peru to fully implement the consensus reached by the two leaders, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation across various sectors, and strengthen coordination on regional and international affairs, advancing China-Peru relations to new heights in the new era.

Elmer Schialer Salcedo talked about the vitality of Peru-China relations and noted Peru's active preparations for the upcoming APEC meeting. Peru looks forward to close cooperation with China to ensure the success of the event.

Peruvian businesses, Salcedo added, are optimistic about the Chinese market and eager to enhance collaboration with China, while also welcoming more Chinese enterprises to invest and operate in Peru.