Peru and the United Kingdom sign Reconstruction Government to Government Agreement

On the 22 of June Peru and the United Kingdom signed the Reconstruction Government to Government Agreement, to implement the “Integral Plan for the reconstruction of the damaged infrastructure of the Northern regions of Peru affected by floods in 2017". The instrument was signed in Lima by the Executive Director of the Reconstruction with Changes Peruvian Authority, Amalia Moreno, and in London by the Minister for Exports, Graham Stuart, from the United Kingdom.

The ceremony, held at the Government Palace, was attended by President Martin Vizcarra, and the British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, via teleconference. The President of the Council of Ministers, Vicente Zeballos; the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gustavo Meza-Cuadra, the Ambassador of Peru, Juan Carlos Gamarra, as well as the Ambassador of the United Kingdom, Kate Harrisson, and the Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy, Mark Menzies, also participated in the official event.

The British Prime Minister expressed his satisfaction for this new opportunity for cooperation between his country and Peru, which today are writing a new chapter in their historical relation. He also recalled the excellent experience of joint work in the Pan American Games 2019, and pointed out that the signing of the agreement could not be more timely, considering that El Niño Phenomenon is a sign of the difficult conditions we are facing derived from Climate Change. In this sense, the experience of the United Kingdom and the vision of the Peruvian government will generate a more prosperous, inclusive, and resilient future.

Minister Stuart expressed his gratitude to the Peruvian government for having chosen the United Kingdom for this task, since the agreement constitutes a clear example of the shared vision between both governments, regarding the need to develop public services and build resilience. In that sense, he pointed out that this is a historic moment for both countries.

Finally, President Vizcarra expressed his gratitude and highlighted the importance of the agreement, not only for those many citizens directly affected, but for all Peruvians. In that sense, the President announced that the works of the agreement will be carried out from July 1, in nine regions of the country, through interventions that will result in comprehensive solutions to reduce vulnerability to natural disasters. He also indicated that the agreement would generate thirty thousand direct jobs and ten thousand indirect jobs, which will contribute to the economic recovery in the post-COVID 19 era.