Tomorrow marks 200 years since our countries established diplomatic relations. Two years earlier, Peru had won the final battle for its independence. The United States, which had done the same only 50 years earlier, was one of the first nations to recognize the young republic. Two centuries later, we remain united by our commitment to freedom in our region.
This is reflected in the free trade agreement (FTA), signed in 2009, which defines our economic relationship. There is a before and after the FTA in the history of Peru. Before, much of the Peruvian coast was a desert; Today, from Piura to Arequipa, there are thousands of hectares of blueberries, grapes, asparagus and other crops demanded by the American consumer. These generate more than 350,000 direct jobs and boost the rural economy.
As a free market country: The United States does not dictate what private companies do, even with a free trade agreement. Our companies are committed to free trade and seek markets with stability, clear rules and competition. When our investment finds fair conditions, it is here to stay. And when it stays, it shows: jobs, infrastructure, high-quality technology and well-being for communities.
I recently visited Cerro Verde in Arequipa, owned and operated by the American company Freeport-McMoRan. Beyond the magnitude of the operation, I highlight its connection with the community. Work on clean water and support in the face of natural disasters show how good investment is integrated into the environment. This is how American companies build for the long term.
Looking to the future, Peru has an essential role. The Memorandum of Understanding on critical materials signed at the ministerial meeting led this year by Secretary Rubio points the way to strengthening safe and sustainable supply chains. Our common agenda includes responsible mining, digital innovation and space cooperation. Peru’s decision to join the Artemis Accords in 2024 and host member states in Latin America for the first time opens new opportunities in science, technology and space exploration. Public-private partnerships will boost our business sectors.
Our 200-year relationship also has personal meaning to me. My wife is Peruvian-American and my children are proud of that heritage. Therefore, when I say that Peru and the United States “we are family,” I truly mean it. Being an ambassador means taking care of a relationship that I feel is my own. I believe in shared prosperity and in putting at the service of this relationship what I have learned about responsible investment, opportunities for young people and public-private alliances that generate concrete results.
After two centuries, the relationship between Peru and the United States is a friendship with real achievements that continues to evolve. And, if we do things right, the best is yet to come. We are family!
*El Comercio opens its pages to the exchange of ideas and reflections. In this plural framework, the Diario does not necessarily agree with the opinions of the columnists who sign them, although it always respects them.
