The Peruvian government reiterated his country’s commitment to combating transnational crime, particularly drug-related crime, during a meeting between Peru’s Prime Minister Pedro Cateriano and a U.S. congressional delegation.
"Our two countries share common values and visions, most notably our full matches on respect for democracy, rule of law, human rights and free markets," Cateriano said Monday during the private meeting held at the Caceres Hall of the Government Palace.
"For us, it is essential that the United States, which is already our main collaborator in the fight against drugs, continue to support us on this attempt, on this joint and coordinated fight to ensure a better, safer and more promising future for our societies," he stated.
He also said the Peruvian government is aware that transnational crime has profound negative impacts on democracy, rule of law, defense and promotion of human rights and, mainly, on the country’s economy and conditions for development and growth.
"Its impact on State structures reduce the capacity to provide services, protect people and maintain citizens and investors’ confidence in the government and democracy, as well as to enforce the law," he noted.
Under this premise, he argued, Peru ascribes particular importance to the fight against such phenomenon.
"The presence here of various institutions and sectors is a sign of the need to tackle this problem in a coherent, coordinated way and from various angles, including the repressive one," he added.
The Cabinet chief was joined by Interior Minister Jose Luis Perez Guadalupe, and deputy ministers of Foreign Affairs, Eduardo Martinetti; and Justice, Alfonso Garces.
The US delegation consisted of congressmen Robert Goodlatte, Tom Marino, Jason Smith, Mike Bishop, Barbara Comstock, Gregory Meeks and Pedro Pierluisi.
The meeting also saw the participation of U.S. Ambassador to Peru, Brian Nichols, among other officials.
(END) NDP/EGZ/ASH/RMB/MVB
Published: 5/26/2015