Peru’s Ambassador to Ankara Cesar De las Casas stated that they are trying to increase the investments of Turkish companies in Peru and said that they are working on an agreement for THY to start direct flights to Peru and this is very important.
Ambassador De las Casas, who started his duty in Turkiye by presenting his letter of credence to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on 20 June, made evaluations to Anadolu Agency (AA).
De las Casas stated that he is pleased to take up his position as ambassador in Turkiye and said, “My Latin American colleagues are aware that Turkiye will further increase its presence not only in the region but also in the world.”
Noting that they aim to develop good commercial and cultural relations with Turkiye, De las Casas said, “We are here because we are aware of the importance of Turkiye. This is our first step.”
Explaining that he started his diplomatic career in Sweden in 1986, De las Casas stated that he later worked on trade relations in his country Peru and Chile.
De las Casas stated that he served in Brazil for many years and said that he served as the consul general there.
De las Casas, who stated that he worked as a manager in the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO) when he returned to Peru, stated that he was working on sustainability projects such as forests and water management.
“Both countries are cradles of civilizations”
The Ambassador stated that he loved this place even before he came to Turkiye and said, “Peru and Turkiye share something important. Both countries are the cradles of civilizations. We have a very long history. This is something we share with Turkiye.”
De las Casas stated that his country is trying to develop its commercial assets to close its export deficit to Turkiye, adding, “One of the goals we are trying to achieve is to improve our trade balance, which means having more commercial assets here.”
The ambassador said they could increase exports of agricultural products in Peru, such as coffee, cocoa, quinoa, kiwicha, chia seeds, blueberries, asparagus and avocados.
Noting that Turkish companies’ investments in Peru would be welcomed, De las Casas said, “We are striving to increase the presence of Turkish companies in Peru, foreign investments, Turkish investments. For example, in the mining sector. Because Turkiye’s knowledge and capacity in these areas can be welcomed in Peru.”
“We see that Turkiye has developed a very good knowledge on hydrological infrastructure”
Ambassador De las Casas drew attention to Turkiye’s experience in infrastructure and said, “We see that Turkiye has developed a very good knowledge on hydrological infrastructure, such as dams.”
De las Casas drew attention to the unity and hospitality of the Turkish people and said, “Wherever we go, people are very kind to us.”
Stating that he came to Turkiye at the beginning of February and that his first experience was the earthquakes in Kahramanmaras that occurred on February 6, De las Casas noted that the Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD) and the National Disaster Institute (INDESI) in Peru are in cooperation.
De las Casas emphasized the importance of sharing information on measures against natural disasters and said that they would encourage experts from the two countries to visit each other.
Studies for direct flights between the two countries are nearing the end
Referring to the tourism and cultural relations between the two countries, the Ambassador said, “One of the issues we are trying to finalize is the air transportation agreement. It is very important for us to sign this agreement with Turkiye to start Turkish Airlines flights.”
De las Casas emphasized that the agreement will improve tourism and reduce the duration of cargo flights.
Pointing out that Lima is a potential hub due to its geopolitical location, the Ambassador said, “Reaching Lima is a way to reach all capitals in South America. Therefore, it is very important for us to have direct flights from Turkish Airlines. That’s a goal we have to reach.”
Stating that a delegation from Turkiye visited Peru most recently, De las Casas noted that the next visit would be from Peru to Turkiye.
De las Casas invited the Turkish people to visit the historical and natural beauties of his country.
Source: AA / Prepared by Irem Yildiz