1 week Ago By Qatar Tribune
Qatar tribune Ashraf Siddiqui Doha Peru is keen to strengthen relations with Qatar, Elmer Schialer Salcedo, foreign minister of South America’s third largest country has stated. On a five-day tour of four countries in the region where Peru has embassies, Salcedo said his country has strong ties with Qatar and the two nations have shared interests in areas such as those related to food security. “We are leading exporters of vegetables and fresh fruits as well as frozen and semi-frozen fruits,” he pointed out.
The Peruvian minister, whose trip takes him to Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia after Doha, said that with Qatar actively seeking to ensure food security for its people, there is ample scope for the two sides to cooperate with and complement each other. “So this is something that we can work on,” he said. On the other hand, he said, “There are Qatari funds very interested in investing in infrastructure projects while we have projects such as ports, airports, bridges and communication lines.
So this is something that we offer to our Qatari partners.” He revealed that during discussions, he has already made a general offer based on the framework of the two countries’ relations. “We have also agreed that specific entrepreneurial missions should come from Peru to Qatar or vice-versa to evaluate the feasibility of individual projects for investment”, he added.
Later, Elmer Schialer Salcedo visited the Cultural Village Foundation (Katara) where he was welcomed by General Manager Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti. In his remarks on the occasion, the Peruvian minister expressed deep appreciation for the hospitality extended by the Qatari hosts. “I am truly grateful to Dr Al Sulaiti for his generosity in allowing us to appropriate this beautiful space, even if just for a short time,” he said.
“I had a chance to walk around this impressive village, and it is remarkable to witness firsthand the vibrant cultural environment Qatar has nurtured here at Katara.” He expressed admiration for Qatar’s broader cultural initiatives, emphasizing, “I sincerely congratulate Qatar for this inspiring idea. It is something that countries around the world can learn from”.
Addressing a reception hosted at the iconic theatre by Ambassador of Peru to Qatar HE Gonzalo Voto Bernales Gatica, the minister highlighted the blend of Latin American and Arabic hospitality. “We are very proud to be able to engage in a relaxed and heartfelt exchange of ideas”, he said. “It resonates with the Latino spirit, which in many ways has inherited traditions from Arabic culture, brought to us centuries ago through Spain.
” Talking about the ongoing Latin American and Caribbean Cultural Week inaugurated on Saturday, he acknowledged the efforts that have gone into organising the event and thanked Ambassador Gonzalo Gatica. He also thanked the small but highly effective Brazilian Embassy team in Qatar that helped organise the Latin American and Caribbean Exhibition in Doha. “Featuring photographs and artefacts from across Latin America, the exhibition is a testament to our shared cultural richness,” he said.
Touching on broader topics, the Minister discussed the current connectivity challenges between Latin America and Qatar. “One obstacle we still face is air connectivity,” he admitted. “However, progress is being made.
Qatar Airways already operates flights to Bogotá and São Paulo, and there are discussions to expand further.” He shared a lighthearted moment from his earlier meeting with a senior Qatar Airways official, learning that despite having 263 planes, the airline still faces capacity constraints due to overwhelming global demand. “It shows how determined Qatar is to connect with the world — and that includes Latin America.
” Concluding his remarks, he invited guests to enjoy a relaxed evening filled with conversation, traditional Peruvian dishes like ceviche, and the refreshing drink ‘chicha morada’. “Thank you for joining us at this wonderful venue. May it be an evening of friendship and cultural appreciation,” he said.
Copy 29/04/2025 10.
