Philippines and Peru Hold Historic Inaugural Bilateral Consultation Meeting

DFA Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs, Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, together with her Peruvian counterpart, Vice Foreign Minister of the Republic of Peru, at the Inaugural PH-Peru Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) held on 19 June 2024. (Photo by DFA-OPD Royce Vann Paul Pantua)

MANILA 21 June 2024 – The Philippines and Peru held their historic, inaugural Bilateral Consultation Meeting (BCM) in Manila  on 19 June 2024.

DFA Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs, Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, together with her Peruvian counterpart, Vice Foreign Minister of the Republic of Peru, John Peter Camino Cannock, co-chaired and led their respective delegations to the meeting. The BCM is an important platform for discussing issues of common concern, finding ways to enhance existing cooperation, and charting the course for future engagements. 

The two sides held comprehensive discussions on an agenda that included bilateral trade relations, regional and global developments, exchanges in the maritime sphere, cooperation in disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM), as well as environmental and tourism cooperation.

The meeting was made more significant as the Philippines and Peru celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in November this year, coinciding with Peru’s hosting of the APEC, its third time since 2008 with the theme “Empower, Include and Grow.” Under its chairmanship, Peru is advancing key issues such as trade, investments, inclusion, growth, innovation and digitalization to promote sustainable growth and transition to the formal and global economy, which resonate with Philippine priorities.

The two sides also discussed developments in the South China Sea and in the Philippines and Peru’s respective regions, underscoring the importance of multilateralism in maintaining global stability and working towards prosperity. 

Undersecretaries Lazaro and Camino underscored the importance of elevating bilateral relations through regular holding of the BCM meetings. Both sides are also working diligently on a possible official visit to Peru by President Marcos. END