Peruvian President Keiko Fujimori met with Sergio Diaz-Granados, executive president of CAF Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, to expand multilateral cooperation for Peru. The discussions focused on reinforcing government priorities, primarily citizen security and national preparation for the El Nino climate phenomenon.
During the meeting, both authorities discussed boosting the response capacity of the Peruvian state across security and environmental fronts. They also addressed key development sectors for the country, including basic infrastructure, digital health, and connectivity.
CAF, formally known as the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, is a regional financial institution that provides financing and technical support for public infrastructure and social development across member states. Peru regularly faces severe weather risks from El Nino, a Pacific warming cycle that brings torrential rainfall, coastal flooding, and agricultural disruption to South America.
Expanding Lines of Credit
Fujimori said officials discussed specific measures regarding citizen safety, El Nino preparedness, and fundamental infrastructure, including water networks, sanitation systems, education, and healthcare. She added that good announcements regarding these initiatives would be released in the coming weeks.
The head of state thanked CAF for its collaboration and willingness to assist, describing the multilateral organization as a strategic ally for national development. Fujimori noted that CAF presented a review of projects currently moving forward, adding that both sides are planning to expand credit lines and financial support in the coming years.
Security and Transnational Crime
Diaz-Granados reported that technical teams from CAF are working in direct coordination with the Peruvian government to strengthen various state processes, with a special focus on security matters.
The CAF chief noted that bank cooperation can help strengthen intelligence capabilities, combat transnational crime, and improve coordination with border countries. He stated that building a stronger intelligence presence and fighting cross-border crime alongside neighboring nations are areas where the bank can offer major assistance.
Environmental Crisis Response
Diaz-Granados said the meeting included an analysis of the implications that the El Nino phenomenon could have for Peru and other South American nations, emphasizing the need to strengthen preparation against potential effects.
He specified that CAF arrived to offer technical assistance and direct financing to help Latin American and Caribbean nations better plan for and face the environmental crisis.
