[VIDEO] President of Peru Calls for a More Inclusive Latin America at the OAS Permanent Council

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

The Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS) today received the President of Peru, Ollanta Humala, in a protocolary session in which the Peruvian leader highlighted the economic achievements in the last decade in the region and particularly in his country, and identified Latin America as the key for the world’s successful and efficient emergence from the global crisis.

The OAS Secretary General, José Miguel Insulza, welcomed the participation of President Humala, who was accompanied on his visit by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Eda Rivas Franchini, and highlighted the economic successes in the region, especially in Peru, noting that these achievements have come in a time of global economic crisis. “In this adverse international scenario our region has had an unusual dynamism and Peru has been one of the main protagonists. This has been based not only on an appropriate economic policy but also on social commitment,” he said.

In presenting his remarks to the Permanent Council, President Humala alluded to the contributions that the countries of the Western Hemisphere have made to the world and stressed that Latin America” is a place of opportunity for various blocs around the world, and a key player in finding a solution to the financial crisis,” and called for strengthened relationships with Asia and the United States.

The President of Peru also referred to the challenges the region is currently facing, among which he mentioned the need to diversify its economies; to strengthen domestic industries; to promote greater competitiveness; to invest more its contributions to knowledge; to provide more and better access to research and training; to create opportunities for youth; to address the infrastructure deficit; to promote rural electrification; to diversify the energy matrix using non-traditional sources; and to work constantly in the distribution of wealth. “Growth and distribution are dynamic and can be worked on simultaneously,” said the President, who recalled that “none of us can say that we have made it on our own, at some point we all need a hand to help lead us on our way, we should give the same opportunity to the millions of young people in America living in poverty or in rural areas.”