Expectations for Expanding Defense Industry Cooperation in Interview with Peruvian Media
President Yoon Suk-yeol, attending the 31st Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit, arrived and is moving at the 2nd Air Force Base in Lima, Peru, on the 14th (local time). Photo by Yonhap News
President Yoon Suk-yeol stated on the 15th (local time) that "Peru has established itself as South Korea's largest defense partner in Latin America," adding, "The official visit to Peru will be an important opportunity to upgrade mutually beneficial and future-oriented cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure, and human exchange."
During his official visit to Peru to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, President Yoon said in a written interview with the Peruvian media outlet El Comercio, "Peru has been South Korea's largest defense partner in Latin America since the introduction of the KT-1P basic trainer aircraft in 2012."
President Yoon emphasized, "I take note that this year, Peru's army and navy have selected Korean companies as strategic partners," and added, "I hope this will serve as a stepping stone to further expand defense cooperation between the two countries in the future."
He continued, "This year, Korean companies were selected as strategic partners for the local production of naval vessels for the Peruvian Navy and for the acquisition of ground equipment for the army, marking a significant advancement," explaining, "Through this, South Korea will be able to contribute more to strengthening Peru's defense capabilities."
Regarding cooperation between the two countries to address Peru's major issue of public security instability, President Yoon said, "I believe that in the field of public security, we can explore sufficient possibilities for cooperation in line with the strategic cooperation framework," and added, "South Korea is open to discussing areas of cooperation that Peru requires."
He also expressed expectations for expanding cooperation in the tourism sector. President Yoon said, "Since establishing diplomatic relations with Peru over 60 years ago, South Korea has shared universal values and maintained a mutually beneficial partnership," and added, "Currently, Korean companies are participating in the construction project of Chinchero Airport, which will serve as the gateway to Machu Picchu in Peru, and I hope this project progresses successfully and contributes to the development of Peru's tourism industry."
President Yoon concluded, "Going forward, South Korea aims to expand mutually beneficial cooperative relations with Latin American countries, including Peru, and in this regard, I look forward to opportunities to meet with key leaders from various Latin American regions during the upcoming APEC and G20 summits to discuss diverse measures to realize this goal."
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