Peruvian envoy celebrates National Day, highlights 62 years of bilateral ties

Peruvian Ambassador to Korea Paul Duclos speaks during the 204th anniversary of Peru’s Independence Day event in Seoul, Monday. Korea Times photo by Kim Hyun-bin

Peruvian Ambassador to Korea Paul Duclos hosted a celebration in Seoul on Monday to mark the 204th anniversary of Peru’s independence, using the occasion to highlight the growing strategic partnership between Korea and Peru and to reflect on more than six decades of diplomatic ties.

The reception drew high-ranking officials from both countries, including Vice Minister for Economic Affairs Kim Hee-sang, members of the Korea-Peru Parliamentary Friendship League and ambassadors and diplomats from various missions.

“It is a great pleasure to welcome you all to commemorate the 204th anniversary of Peru’s independence,” Duclos said. “This year we also celebrate 62 years of friendship and mutual cooperation with the Republic of Korea — a relationship based on shared values and a common vision for the future.”

He praised the continued strengthening of bilateral ties through key milestones such as the 2011 Free Trade Agreement, which has helped make Korea Peru’s fifth-largest export market, and the 2012 establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Duclos highlighted a recent official presidential visit to Peru as a turning point, during which the two countries signed a joint declaration reaffirming their shared commitment to deepening cooperation in strategic fields. These include digital transformation, climate action, food security, critical mineral investments and infrastructure development.

He also emphasized deepening collaboration in security and defense, citing joint efforts in shipbuilding and military manufacturing.

“We are particularly encouraged by agreements for the modernization of the shipyard at the port of Callao, the coproduction of naval vessels and armored vehicles, and Peru’s integration into the value chain for military aircraft manufacturing,” he said.

The ambassador also noted Peru’s role as host of the 2024 APEC Leaders’ Summit in Lima, where the country handed over the chairmanship of the regional economic forum to Korea.

“One of the key achievements of APEC Peru was restoring consensus among its 21 member economies,” Duclos said, adding that the resulting agreements, particularly the road map for transitioning to a formal and integrated economy, will benefit small and medium-sized enterprises across the region.

In anticipation of the upcoming APEC Summit to be held this October and November in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, Duclos expressed support for Korea’s leadership and extended hopes that Peruvian President Dina Boluarte will participate in the summit.

Guests were treated to traditional Peruvian cultural performances and a culinary showcase centered around ceviche, the country’s iconic dish. “Ceviche is more than an ancestral recipe or a culinary tradition,” Duclos said. “It is a living expression of our identity, paying tribute to our millenary history and rich cultural diversity.”