PERU AIMS FOR NEW HEIGHTS AS TIES WITH MALAYSIA MARK 40-YEAR ANNIVERSARY
By Christine Lim
KUALA LUMPUR, June 27 (Bernama) -- Peru is looking to further elevate its relations with Malaysia by expanding cooperation in strategic growth sectors as both nations commemorate the 40th diplomatic anniversary this year.
Peruvian Ambassador to Malaysia Ricardo Estanislao Morote Canales said that while bilateral relations have progressed steadily over the four decades, there remain significant untapped opportunities that both countries can explore to deepen collaboration.
These potential areas of collaboration, he said, include agricultural innovation, food security, clean energy, hydrogen, tourism, education, as well as biodiversity and the conservation of tropical forests.
“Relations between Malaysia and Peru have evolved significantly since the first visit by a Peruvian president, Alberto Fujimori, to Malaysia in 1996.
“These ties would continue to flourish, creating new opportunities and greater benefits for the peoples of both countries,” he told Bernama in an interview in conjunction with the diplomatic anniversary.
The ambassador said the high-level exchanges between Fujimori and then Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad helped establish a solid foundation of confidence and cooperation, exemplified by Malaysia's valuable support for Peru's accession to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in 1998.
Impetus For Stronger Ties
Kuala Lumpur and Lima’s ties were further strengthened under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s leadership following his visit to the Latin American nation for the APEC Leaders’ Meeting in 2024.
The visit had paved the way for both countries to take concrete steps to advance their partnership.
“The official visit of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to Peru in November 2024 marked a significant milestone in the relationship, reaffirming the strength of our partnership and our shared determination to elevate bilateral cooperation to new heights,” Morote said.
He noted that during the visit, Peru and Malaysia adopted a Joint Declaration that serves as a roadmap for the future of the relationship.
“The Declaration sets out a shared vision to expand trade and investment, strengthen economic and technical cooperation, and promote collaboration across strategic sectors of mutual interest.
“It reflects the commitment of both countries to forge a more resilient, dynamic, and mutually beneficial partnership, capable of responding to the challenges and opportunities of an increasingly interconnected world,” he said.
Both countries also inked Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) for cooperation in the fields of halal, agriculture, as well as gastronomy and hospitality.
The MoU in agriculture has facilitated several joint projects, including the cultivation of mixed-breed local and Peruvian chilli and tomato varieties, as well as cattle crossbreeding initiatives in Malaysia.
Morote also expressed optimism for the Peruvian President’s visit to Malaysia soon, adding that such high-level engagement would provide an important opportunity to elevate bilateral relations, strengthen political dialogue and expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
CPTPP Boosts Trade Momentum
He said that looking forward, there are significant opportunities for Peru and Malaysia to strengthen economic ties by leveraging the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
“Since the CPTPP entered into force for Peru in September 2021 and for Malaysia in November 2022, bilateral trade has shown sustained growth,” he said.
In 2025, trade between the two countries reached US$526 million, consolidating Malaysia's position as Peru's ninth-largest trading partner in Asia, he said.
Peruvian exports to Malaysia, he said, totalled US$357.15 million in 2025, representing a significant increase of 32.84 per cent compared to the previous year.
Imports from Malaysia amounted to approximately US$168.85 million in 2025, consisting primarily of manufactured and technology-based products.
“Additional opportunities have also emerged for other high-value fruits, including avocados, mangoes and pomegranates, reflecting the growing diversification of Peru's export basket in the Malaysian market,” he said.
Morote said Malaysia has also expressed interest in the establishment of a Malaysia–Peru Specialised Halal Economic Zone at the Port of Chancay, near Lima, which will serve as a strategic gateway for expanding Malaysia's commercial presence and connectivity throughout Latin America.
Malaysia and Peru established formal diplomatic relations on April 24, 1986, with Peru opening its embassy in Kuala Lumpur in 1992, followed by Malaysia establishing an embassy in Lima in 1996.
-- BERNAMA
