‘Strategic partner’: Peru’s Fujimori plans to intensify ties with the US

Peru's recently sworn-in President Keiko Fujimori has signalled a significant reorientation of her country's foreign policy toward closer alignment with the United States. Foreign Minister Carlos Espa, appointed this week to lead Peru's diplomatic efforts, described the US as a strategic partner and outlined plans to intensify bilateral cooperation. Espa's background includes years working at the US embassy in Lima, positioning him to facilitate stronger Washington-aligned policies.

Beyond US relations, Peru intends to restore diplomatic channels with Mexico and Colombia while taking preliminary steps to rebuild ties with Venezuela. Fujimori, who narrowly won her election on a platform addressing rising crime concerns, has committed to dedicating substantial resources to collaboration with the Trump administration. The incoming government plans to join the Shield of the Americas, a US-led coalition focused on coordinating military operations against criminal organisations and drug cartels across the region.

The timing reflects broader US strategic interests in Latin America. Peru, a major copper producer, has become increasingly important to Washington as it seeks to counter China's growing influence in the hemisphere. The Trump administration has actively promoted right-wing leaders across the region and framed both Chinese economic expansion and regional criminal networks as national security priorities. US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau attended Fujimori's inauguration, underscoring Washington's engagement with her government.