Peru has begun the process of joining the Shield of the Americas, a regional security initiative championed by United States President Donald Trump, Foreign Affairs Minister Carlos Espa announced on Friday, days after newly inaugurated President Keiko Fujimori assumed office.
The Shield of the Americas brings together several pro-US governments in Latin America, including Argentina, Ecuador and El Salvador, to strengthen cooperation against organised crime and drug trafficking.
The alliance focuses on intelligence sharing, judicial collaboration and coordinated security operations aimed at tackling transnational criminal networks operating across the region.
President Fujimori, who was sworn into office on Tuesday, had pledged during her election campaign to confront Peru’s worsening security challenges and had previously indicated her administration’s intention to seek membership of the alliance.
Speaking at an event in Lima on Friday, Espa said Peru would advance efforts to become part of the regional security framework.
“We will continue the progress achieved with… our incorporation into the Shield of the Americas,” he said.
The minister also reaffirmed Peru’s commitment to strengthening ties with Washington.
“We will deepen our excellent relations with the United States, a strategic partner, ally and friend,” Espa added.
Espa, who previously served at the US Embassy in Peru, said the government would also expand cooperation with neighbouring countries to intensify the fight against organised crime.
Peru remains one of the world’s largest producers of cocaine, with international drug trafficking organisations maintaining a significant presence in the country.
Meanwhile, neighbouring Colombia, the world’s leading cocaine producer, is also expected to join the Shield of the Americas after president-elect Abelardo de la Espriella, a hard-right politician, assumes office in August, according to an earlier announcement this month.
Peru moves to join Trump’s Shield of Americas’ security alliance