Foreign policy of Ollanta Humala
Encyclopedia
The foreign policy of Ollanta Humala
concerns the policy initiatives made towards other states by the current President of Peru, in difference to past, or future, Peruvian foreign policy as represented by his Foreign Minister Rafael Roncagliolo
. Humala's foreign policy is currently based on relations with other states of the Americas
.
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and the latter's Bolivarian revolution
based on the principles of 21st century socialism and that he was a part of the "pink tide
" in Latin America. However, five years later he beat
Keiko Fujimori
in a run-off, in part because he distanced himself from Chavez and aligned with the ideas of Lula da Silva in Brazil, who also experienced similar rapid growth as the economy of Peru
.
, but said he would welcome Chávez' support in the 2006 presidential election. On January 3, 2006, Evo Morales
made his first official visit to Venezuela
as President-Elect of Bolivia
. Humala attended the official ceremonies held in the Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas where both Morales and Chávez pledged their support to Humala in his bid for the 2006 presidential race in Peru. In objection to this, Peru recalled its ambassador to Venezuela, Carlos Urrutia
, in protest against Venezuela's alleged interference in the election.
In March 2006, Humala also met with President Néstor Kirchner
of Argentina
in Buenos Aires. During the meeting, Humala stated that regional integration took priority over bilateral agreements with the United States and called Kirchner a "brother" in the cause to integrate Latin America. Humala also travelled to meet with Brazilian President Lula da Silva and officials of his government to discuss regional integration.
On May 8, 2006 Humala met with Bolivian President Evo Morales in Copacabana, Bolivia
on the Bolivian border with Peru. While meeting with Morales Humala stated that he stood in "solidarity with the historical and legitimate demand of the Bolivian Republic" of access to the Pacific Ocean which Bolivia lost after the War of the Pacific when Chile annexed what is now the Antofagasta Region
of Chile. Humala also explicitly stated that he was not opposed to a free trade agreement with the United States but said that any free trade agreement with the United States would have to be negotiated through the Andean Community (CAN) and signed with approval of all members of CAN. During the meeting Humala emphasised the need to maintain CAN as a bloc to negotiate with the United States and asked Morales to work to help maintain the CAN, referring to the CAN's recent troubles with Venezuela removing itself as a member in protest to the signing of trade agreements with the U.S. by Peru and Colombia.
, following which he planned to visit Urugya, Argentina and Chile.
Following a meeting in 2006 with Bolivian President Evo Morales
in Copacabana
on the Bolivian border with Peru, in which Humala stated that he stood in "solidarity with the historical and legitimate demand of the Bolivian Republic," after his electoral victory in 2011 he went back to Bolivia and made calls for the resurrection of the Peru–Bolivian Confederation. Bolivian Communications Minister Ivan Canelas announced that he would meet Morales and discuss Bolivia's maritime claim
against Chile (for which Peru expressed tacit support). Humala also added that he had "a widely shared vision of integration [with Morales]. For me, it's an important meeting, [Bolivia] is an Aymara
and sister nation." (However Peru's large indigenous population is mostly Quechua)
Humala also visited Colombia where he met one of the only two conservative president's left in South America, Juan Manuel Santos
. The two leaders of talked integration projects between Colombia and Peru.
During a visit to Washington, D.C. Humala also met Organization of American States
' Secretary-General Jose Miguel Insulza
in which he said Peru intends to work towards greater regional integration
. During the same tour he also met with US Secretary of State
Hillary Clinton on Washington, D.C. During the meeting US President Barack Obama
made a surprise appearance to meet Humala, a visit that was appreciated by the latter. Obama spoke of the importance of "sound market-based economic policies with efforts to increase economic and social inclusion." Peruvian ambassador Luis Valdivieso said that the visit was an "extraordinary step" in starting relations at the highest level between the Humala government and the United States.
During his postponed trip to Venezuela, Humala was personally welcomes by Chavez at Miraflores Palace. He reiterated calls for regional integreation saying "As 200 years ago, when we fought colonialism, today we have common enemies like poverty, inequalities, drug trafficking and so many threats against our countries. I have come as a friend and a brother; and this brotherhood leads us to a similar future." He also wished Chavez a recovery from his cancer treatment: "We are giving you support, please count on our forces and the prayers of the Peruvian people, who want your recovery because you have a mission to accomplish." Humala also paid a visit to Simón Bolívar
's birthplace house and met with officials at the headquarters of the Corporacion Andina de Fomento.
He was then due to travel to Mexico on 18 July. In meeting President Felipe Calderón
at Palace Los Pinos
he said that "With Mexico, after July 28, we are going to improve relations that already are excellent. We want to improve commercial exchange even more so" and "strengthen relations in the area of education." They also discussed the general strengthening of Mexico-Peru relations. After Mexico he visited Cuba, a move that Granma
quoted Humala as saying that he had come to visit a "sister" country and to share an "open agenda" with President
Raul Castro
. He also met leftist political icon and Cuban commander-in-chief Fidel Castro
. The two leaders talked of the "happy atmosphere" as well as the "complicated situation in Latin America." His talks with Raul Castro focused on Cuba-Peru relations and the "need" to enhance education via Cuba's "Yes I Can" educational programme. In doing so he cited Cuba's success in contributing to the eradication of illiteracy in countries such as Venezuela, Nicaragua, Bolivia and Ecuador.
, Uruguay's José Mujica
, Panama's Ricardo Martinelli
, (and his wife First Lady Marta Linares de Martinelli), Argentina's Cristina Fernández de Kirchner
, Chile's Sebastián Piñera
, Ecuador's Rafael Correa
, Bolvia's Evo Morales, Guatemala's Álvaro Colom
, Honduras’ Porfirio Lobo, South Africa's Jacob Zuma
and Georgia's Mikheil Saakashvili
. They would also be joined by Cuban First Vice President Jose Ramon Machado Ventura
and his delegation, Spain's crown prince
Felipe, Prince of Asturias
, Secretary-general of the Organization of American States
Jose Miguel Insulza
, the U.S. ambassador, the brother of South Korean President Lee Myung-bak
, Lee Sang-deuk
of the incumbent Grand National Party
and Chinese President Hu Jintao
's special envoy Minister of Agriculture Han Changfu
.
met his Chilean counterpart Alfredo Moreno Charme
prior to taking office. Following the meeting he said that Charme was "a concerned person, who has an attitude of dialogue and does not encourage unnecessary antagonism" and added that in regards to the Chilean–Peruvian maritime dispute
"by going to the Hague
, what we are looking for is peaceful understanding, avoid lawsuits and verbal arguments. Peru has taken the position of a modern civilized nation to go to court. Resolve conflicts by means of right reason, not force." However he also commented on Chilean military spending vis-a-vis its neighbours: "When a country develops a quite disproportionate military capacity compared to their neighbours, others are right to worry. That is the situation we face. Yes, we should worry. Chile's military spending is disproportionate to the neighbours. That is why Peru, in UNASUR is promoting transparency and a reduction of military spending. There are more important things you must invest in Latin America. All countries must have a credible military defense, and Peru has not maintained one like this."
Prior to Humala's visit to Bolivia in his pre-inauguration pan-Americas tour, Peru agreed to cede territory claimed by Bolivia against Chile so as to facilitate resolution of the maritime claim. The 1929 Peace and Friendship treaty, which formalised relations between the three states following the War of the Pacific
, requires Peru's "prior agreement" to pursue further negotiations for Chile to cede former Peruvian territory to a third party and settle the conflict.
Ollanta Humala
Ollanta Moisés Humala Tasso is a Peruvian politician and the President of Peru. Humala, who previously served as an army officer, lost the presidential election in 2006 but won the 2011 presidential election in a run-off vote...
concerns the policy initiatives made towards other states by the current President of Peru, in difference to past, or future, Peruvian foreign policy as represented by his Foreign Minister Rafael Roncagliolo
Rafael Roncagliolo
Fortunato Rafael Roncagliolo de Orbegoso is a Peruvian sociologist and politician. He has been serving as Minister of Foreign Affairs under President Ollanta Humala since 28 July 2011....
. Humala's foreign policy is currently based on relations with other states of the Americas
Americas
The Americas, or America , are lands in the Western hemisphere, also known as the New World. In English, the plural form the Americas is often used to refer to the landmasses of North America and South America with their associated islands and regions, while the singular form America is primarily...
.
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Background
In 2006, Ollanta Humala lost a run-off to Alan García. One reason for his loss was a perception that he too close to Venezuelan President Hugo ChávezHugo Chávez
Hugo Rafael Chávez Frías is the 56th and current President of Venezuela, having held that position since 1999. He was formerly the leader of the Fifth Republic Movement political party from its foundation in 1997 until 2007, when he became the leader of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela...
and the latter's Bolivarian revolution
Bolivarian Revolution
The “Bolivarian Revolution” refers to a leftist social movement and political process in Venezuela led by Venezuelan president Hugo Chávez, the founder of the Fifth Republic Movement...
based on the principles of 21st century socialism and that he was a part of the "pink tide
Pink tide
Pink tide is a term being used in contemporary 21st century political analysis in the media and elsewhere to describe the perception that Leftist ideology in general, and Left-wing politics in particular, is increasingly influential in Latin America.In 2005, the BBC reported that out of 350...
" in Latin America. However, five years later he beat
Peruvian general election, 2011
The Peruvian general election, 2011 took place on 10 April 2011. Since no candidate received more than half of all valid votes, a second round was necessary to determine the winner. This second round took place on 5 June and determined the successor of Alan García, as well as 130 members of the...
Keiko Fujimori
Keiko Fujimori
Keiko Sofía Fujimori Higuchi is a Peruvian Fujimorista politician, daughter of former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori and Susana Higuchi. She served as First Lady, from 1994 to 2000, after her parents divorced, becoming the youngest First Lady in the history of the Americas...
in a run-off, in part because he distanced himself from Chavez and aligned with the ideas of Lula da Silva in Brazil, who also experienced similar rapid growth as the economy of Peru
Economy of Peru
The economy of Peru is classified as upper middle income by the World Bank and is the 42nd largest in the world. Peru is, as of 2011, one of the world's fastest-growing economies owing to the economic boom experienced during the 2000s...
.
2006 presidial candidacy
Questioned by the media, Humala denied any ties to Venezuela's president Hugo ChávezHugo Chávez
Hugo Rafael Chávez Frías is the 56th and current President of Venezuela, having held that position since 1999. He was formerly the leader of the Fifth Republic Movement political party from its foundation in 1997 until 2007, when he became the leader of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela...
, but said he would welcome Chávez' support in the 2006 presidential election. On January 3, 2006, Evo Morales
Evo Morales
Juan Evo Morales Ayma , popularly known as Evo , is a Bolivian politician and activist, currently serving as the 80th President of Bolivia, a position that he has held since 2006. He is also the leader of both the Movement for Socialism party and the cocalero trade union...
made his first official visit to Venezuela
Venezuela
Venezuela , officially called the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela , is a tropical country on the northern coast of South America. It borders Colombia to the west, Guyana to the east, and Brazil to the south...
as President-Elect of Bolivia
Bolivia
Bolivia officially known as Plurinational State of Bolivia , is a landlocked country in central South America. It is the poorest country in South America...
. Humala attended the official ceremonies held in the Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas where both Morales and Chávez pledged their support to Humala in his bid for the 2006 presidential race in Peru. In objection to this, Peru recalled its ambassador to Venezuela, Carlos Urrutia
Carlos Urrutia
Carlos Urrutia is Peru's ambassador to Venezuela.Peru twice recalled Urrutia as a protest against Venezuela's alleged interference in the Peruvian national election, 2006 by supporting Ollanta Humala. , ....
, in protest against Venezuela's alleged interference in the election.
In March 2006, Humala also met with President Néstor Kirchner
Néstor Kirchner
Néstor Carlos Kirchner was an Argentine politician who served as the 54th President of Argentina from 25 May 2003 until 10 December 2007. Previously, he was Governor of Santa Cruz Province since 10 December 1991. He briefly served as Secretary General of the Union of South American Nations ...
of Argentina
Argentina
Argentina , officially the Argentine Republic , is the second largest country in South America by land area, after Brazil. It is constituted as a federation of 23 provinces and an autonomous city, Buenos Aires...
in Buenos Aires. During the meeting, Humala stated that regional integration took priority over bilateral agreements with the United States and called Kirchner a "brother" in the cause to integrate Latin America. Humala also travelled to meet with Brazilian President Lula da Silva and officials of his government to discuss regional integration.
On May 8, 2006 Humala met with Bolivian President Evo Morales in Copacabana, Bolivia
Copacabana, Bolivia
Copacabana is the main Bolivian town on the shore of Lake Titicaca, from where boats leave for Isla del Sol, the sacred Inca island. The town has a large 16th-century shrine, the Basilica of Our Lady of Copacabana. Our Lady of Copacabana is the patron saint of Bolivia. The town is a destination for...
on the Bolivian border with Peru. While meeting with Morales Humala stated that he stood in "solidarity with the historical and legitimate demand of the Bolivian Republic" of access to the Pacific Ocean which Bolivia lost after the War of the Pacific when Chile annexed what is now the Antofagasta Region
Antofagasta Region
The II Antofagasta Region is one of Chile's fifteen first-order administrative divisions. It comprises three provinces, Antofagasta, El Loa and Tocopilla...
of Chile. Humala also explicitly stated that he was not opposed to a free trade agreement with the United States but said that any free trade agreement with the United States would have to be negotiated through the Andean Community (CAN) and signed with approval of all members of CAN. During the meeting Humala emphasised the need to maintain CAN as a bloc to negotiate with the United States and asked Morales to work to help maintain the CAN, referring to the CAN's recent troubles with Venezuela removing itself as a member in protest to the signing of trade agreements with the U.S. by Peru and Colombia.
2011 president-elect
Prior to his official inauguration Humala undertook a tour of American states including Bolivia, Colombia and the United States. (his tour of Venezuela was postponed til 15 July 2011 due to Chavez's health concerns as he underwent surgery in Cuba). Upon resumption of the Venezuela leg of his tour the business community in Peru were concerned that Humala may drift back towards to Chavez's policies.Pan-Americas tour
His first visit as president-elect was to Brazil. Following a meeting with Brazilian President Dilma Roussef he said though the situation in Peru and Brazil is different, both countries' plan was similar along the lines of economic growth and prudent macroeconomic management. He added that: "We are pleased with this meeting. Brazil is an important strategic partner for Peru. Brazil is a successful model of economic growth." He then left for Paraguay where he met President Fernando LugoFernando Lugo
Fernando Armindo Lugo Méndez is the current President of Paraguay and a former Roman Catholic bishop of the Diocese of San Pedro.-Early life:...
, following which he planned to visit Urugya, Argentina and Chile.
Following a meeting in 2006 with Bolivian President Evo Morales
Evo Morales
Juan Evo Morales Ayma , popularly known as Evo , is a Bolivian politician and activist, currently serving as the 80th President of Bolivia, a position that he has held since 2006. He is also the leader of both the Movement for Socialism party and the cocalero trade union...
in Copacabana
Copacabana, Bolivia
Copacabana is the main Bolivian town on the shore of Lake Titicaca, from where boats leave for Isla del Sol, the sacred Inca island. The town has a large 16th-century shrine, the Basilica of Our Lady of Copacabana. Our Lady of Copacabana is the patron saint of Bolivia. The town is a destination for...
on the Bolivian border with Peru, in which Humala stated that he stood in "solidarity with the historical and legitimate demand of the Bolivian Republic," after his electoral victory in 2011 he went back to Bolivia and made calls for the resurrection of the Peru–Bolivian Confederation. Bolivian Communications Minister Ivan Canelas announced that he would meet Morales and discuss Bolivia's maritime claim
Bolivia-Chile relations
Bolivia–Chile relations refers to interstate relations between the Republic of Chile and the Bolivian Republic. Bolivia and Chile have had strained relations ever since independence in the early 19th century because of the Atacama border dispute...
against Chile (for which Peru expressed tacit support). Humala also added that he had "a widely shared vision of integration [with Morales]. For me, it's an important meeting, [Bolivia] is an Aymara
Aymara
The Aymara or Aimara are an indigenous ethnic group in the Andes and Altiplano regions of South America; about 2 million live in Bolivia, Peru and Chile...
and sister nation." (However Peru's large indigenous population is mostly Quechua)
Humala also visited Colombia where he met one of the only two conservative president's left in South America, Juan Manuel Santos
Juan Manuel Santos
Juan Manuel Santos Calderón is a Colombian politician who has been the President of Colombia since 7 August 2010. He previously served as Minister of Foreign Trade, Minister of Finance, and Minister of National Defense.-Career:...
. The two leaders of talked integration projects between Colombia and Peru.
During a visit to Washington, D.C. Humala also met Organization of American States
Organization of American States
The Organization of American States is a regional international organization, headquartered in Washington, D.C., United States...
' Secretary-General Jose Miguel Insulza
José Miguel Insulza
José Miguel Insulza Salinas is a Chilean politician and statesman. He is currently the Secretary General of the Organization of American States. He is nicknamed El Panzer, for his tank-like drive and reputation due to his ability to take political heat with little apparent damage...
in which he said Peru intends to work towards greater regional integration
Latin American integration
The integration of Latin America has a history going back to Spanish American and Brazilian independence, when there was discussion of creating a regional state or confederation of Latin American nations to protect the area's newly won autonomy...
. During the same tour he also met with US Secretary of State
Secretary of State
Secretary of State or State Secretary is a commonly used title for a senior or mid-level post in governments around the world. The role varies between countries, and in some cases there are multiple Secretaries of State in the Government....
Hillary Clinton on Washington, D.C. During the meeting US President Barack Obama
Barack Obama
Barack Hussein Obama II is the 44th and current President of the United States. He is the first African American to hold the office. Obama previously served as a United States Senator from Illinois, from January 2005 until he resigned following his victory in the 2008 presidential election.Born in...
made a surprise appearance to meet Humala, a visit that was appreciated by the latter. Obama spoke of the importance of "sound market-based economic policies with efforts to increase economic and social inclusion." Peruvian ambassador Luis Valdivieso said that the visit was an "extraordinary step" in starting relations at the highest level between the Humala government and the United States.
During his postponed trip to Venezuela, Humala was personally welcomes by Chavez at Miraflores Palace. He reiterated calls for regional integreation saying "As 200 years ago, when we fought colonialism, today we have common enemies like poverty, inequalities, drug trafficking and so many threats against our countries. I have come as a friend and a brother; and this brotherhood leads us to a similar future." He also wished Chavez a recovery from his cancer treatment: "We are giving you support, please count on our forces and the prayers of the Peruvian people, who want your recovery because you have a mission to accomplish." Humala also paid a visit to Simón Bolívar
Simón Bolívar
Simón José Antonio de la Santísima Trinidad Bolívar y Palacios Ponte y Yeiter, commonly known as Simón Bolívar was a Venezuelan military and political leader...
's birthplace house and met with officials at the headquarters of the Corporacion Andina de Fomento.
He was then due to travel to Mexico on 18 July. In meeting President Felipe Calderón
Felipe Calderón
Felipe de Jesús Calderón Hinojosa is the current President of Mexico. He assumed office on December 1, 2006, and was elected for a single six-year term through 2012...
at Palace Los Pinos
Los Pinos
Los Pinos is the official residence and office of the President of Mexico. Located in the Bosque de Chapultepec in central Mexico City, it became the presidential seat in 1934, when Gen...
he said that "With Mexico, after July 28, we are going to improve relations that already are excellent. We want to improve commercial exchange even more so" and "strengthen relations in the area of education." They also discussed the general strengthening of Mexico-Peru relations. After Mexico he visited Cuba, a move that Granma
Granma
Granma may refer to:*Slang for grandmother*Granma , a yacht in which Fidel Castro and his revolutionary expedition sailed to Cuba in 1956**CF Granma a Cuban football club...
quoted Humala as saying that he had come to visit a "sister" country and to share an "open agenda" with President
President of Cuba
--209.174.31.28 18:43, 22 November 2011 The President of Cuba is the Head of state of Cuba. According to the Cuban Constitution of 1976, the President is the chief executive of the Council of State of Cuba...
Raul Castro
Raúl Castro
Raúl Modesto Castro Ruz is a Cuban politician and revolutionary who has been President of the Council of State of Cuba and the President of the Council of Ministers of Cuba since 2008; he previously exercised presidential powers in an acting capacity from 2006 to 2008...
. He also met leftist political icon and Cuban commander-in-chief Fidel Castro
Fidel Castro
Fidel Alejandro Castro Ruz is a Cuban revolutionary and politician, having held the position of Prime Minister of Cuba from 1959 to 1976, and then President from 1976 to 2008. He also served as the First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba from the party's foundation in 1961 until 2011...
. The two leaders talked of the "happy atmosphere" as well as the "complicated situation in Latin America." His talks with Raul Castro focused on Cuba-Peru relations and the "need" to enhance education via Cuba's "Yes I Can" educational programme. In doing so he cited Cuba's success in contributing to the eradication of illiteracy in countries such as Venezuela, Nicaragua, Bolivia and Ecuador.
Inauguration
His inauguration on 28 July was due to be attended by regional leaders. Foreign dignitaries such as Colombia's Juan Manuel Santos were scheduled to attend the event, along with Brazil's Dilma RousseffDilma Rousseff
Dilma Vana Rousseff is the 36th and current President of Brazil. She is the first woman to hold the office. Prior to that, in 2005, she was also the first woman to become Chief of Staff of Brazil, appointed by then President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva....
, Uruguay's José Mujica
José Mujica
José Alberto "Pepe" Mujica Cordano is a Uruguayan politician and former guerrilla fighter, a member of the Broad Front and current President of Uruguay....
, Panama's Ricardo Martinelli
Ricardo Martinelli
Ricardo Alberto Martinelli Berrocal is a Panamanian politician and businessman who was elected the 49th President of Panama in 2009. He is a Panamanian of Italian descent from his father's side.- Early life :...
, (and his wife First Lady Marta Linares de Martinelli), Argentina's Cristina Fernández de Kirchner
Cristina Fernández de Kirchner
Cristina Elisabet Fernández de Kirchner , commonly known as Cristina Fernández or Cristina Kirchner is the 55th and current President of Argentina and the widow of former President Néstor Kirchner. She is Argentina's first elected female president, and the second female president ever to serve...
, Chile's Sebastián Piñera
Sebastián Piñera
Miguel Juan Sebastián Piñera Echenique is a Chilean businessman and politician. He was elected President of Chile in January 2010, taking office in March 2010.- Education :...
, Ecuador's Rafael Correa
Rafael Correa
Rafael Vicente Correa Delgado born is the President of the Republic of Ecuador and was the president pro tempore of the Union of South American Nations. An economist educated in Ecuador, Belgium and the United States, he was elected President in late 2006 and took office in January 2007...
, Bolvia's Evo Morales, Guatemala's Álvaro Colom
Álvaro Colom
Álvaro Colom Caballeros is the President of Guatemala for the 2008–2012 term and leader of the social-democratic National Unity of Hope .-Early years:...
, Honduras’ Porfirio Lobo, South Africa's Jacob Zuma
Jacob Zuma
Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma is the President of South Africa, elected by parliament following his party's victory in the 2009 general election....
and Georgia's Mikheil Saakashvili
Mikheil Saakashvili
Mikheil Saakashvili is a Georgian politician, the third and current President of Georgia and leader of the United National Movement Party.Involved in the national politics since 1995, Saakashvili became president on 25 January 2004 after President Eduard Shevardnadze resigned in a November 2003...
. They would also be joined by Cuban First Vice President Jose Ramon Machado Ventura
José Ramón Machado Ventura
José Ramón Machado Ventura, M.D. is the First Vice-President of the Council of State and the Council of Ministers in Cuba...
and his delegation, Spain's crown prince
Crown Prince
A crown prince or crown princess is the heir or heiress apparent to the throne in a royal or imperial monarchy. The wife of a crown prince is also titled crown princess....
Felipe, Prince of Asturias
Felipe, Prince of Asturias
Felipe, Prince of Asturias de Borbón y de Grecia; born 30 January 1968), is the third child and only son of King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofía of Spain....
, Secretary-general of the Organization of American States
Organization of American States
The Organization of American States is a regional international organization, headquartered in Washington, D.C., United States...
Jose Miguel Insulza
José Miguel Insulza
José Miguel Insulza Salinas is a Chilean politician and statesman. He is currently the Secretary General of the Organization of American States. He is nicknamed El Panzer, for his tank-like drive and reputation due to his ability to take political heat with little apparent damage...
, the U.S. ambassador, the brother of South Korean President Lee Myung-bak
Lee Myung-bak
Lee Myung-bak is the President of South Korea. Prior to his presidency, he was the CEO of Hyundai Engineering and Construction and the mayor of Seoul. He is married to Kim Yoon-ok and has three daughters and one son. His older brother is Lee Sang-deuk, a South Korean politician. He attends the...
, Lee Sang-deuk
Lee Sang-deuk
Lee Sang-deuk is a South Korean politician and businessperson. He is very famous as the older brother of the South Korean president, Lee Myung-bak...
of the incumbent Grand National Party
Grand National Party
The Grand National Party is a conservative political party in South Korea. Its Korean name, Hannara, has a double meaning as "Great National" and "Korean National." The GNP holds a majority of seats in the 18th Assembly, lasting from 2008 to 2012....
and Chinese President Hu Jintao
Hu Jintao
Hu Jintao is the current Paramount Leader of the People's Republic of China. He has held the titles of General Secretary of the Communist Party of China since 2002, President of the People's Republic of China since 2003, and Chairman of the Central Military Commission since 2004, succeeding Jiang...
's special envoy Minister of Agriculture Han Changfu
Han Changfu
Han Changfu is the current Minister of Agriculture of the People's Republic of China, and a former governor of Jilin province....
.
Chile
The new Foreign Minister Rafael RoncaglioloRafael Roncagliolo
Fortunato Rafael Roncagliolo de Orbegoso is a Peruvian sociologist and politician. He has been serving as Minister of Foreign Affairs under President Ollanta Humala since 28 July 2011....
met his Chilean counterpart Alfredo Moreno Charme
Alfredo Moreno Charme
Alfredo Moreno Charme is a Chilean diplomat and politician. He has served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Chile since March 11, 2010, under President Sebastián Piñera.-References:...
prior to taking office. Following the meeting he said that Charme was "a concerned person, who has an attitude of dialogue and does not encourage unnecessary antagonism" and added that in regards to the Chilean–Peruvian maritime dispute
Chilean–Peruvian maritime dispute
The Chilean–Peruvian maritime dispute is a dispute between the Republic of Peru and the Republic of Chile on the sovereignty of an area at sea of approximately in the Pacific Ocean, from the Peruvian version that boundary delimitation between the two countries is still not fixed...
"by going to the Hague
The Hague
The Hague is the capital city of the province of South Holland in the Netherlands. With a population of 500,000 inhabitants , it is the third largest city of the Netherlands, after Amsterdam and Rotterdam...
, what we are looking for is peaceful understanding, avoid lawsuits and verbal arguments. Peru has taken the position of a modern civilized nation to go to court. Resolve conflicts by means of right reason, not force." However he also commented on Chilean military spending vis-a-vis its neighbours: "When a country develops a quite disproportionate military capacity compared to their neighbours, others are right to worry. That is the situation we face. Yes, we should worry. Chile's military spending is disproportionate to the neighbours. That is why Peru, in UNASUR is promoting transparency and a reduction of military spending. There are more important things you must invest in Latin America. All countries must have a credible military defense, and Peru has not maintained one like this."
Prior to Humala's visit to Bolivia in his pre-inauguration pan-Americas tour, Peru agreed to cede territory claimed by Bolivia against Chile so as to facilitate resolution of the maritime claim. The 1929 Peace and Friendship treaty, which formalised relations between the three states following the War of the Pacific
War of the Pacific
The War of the Pacific took place in western South America from 1879 through 1883. Chile fought against Bolivia and Peru. Despite cooperation among the three nations in the war against Spain, disputes soon arose over the mineral-rich Peruvian provinces of Tarapaca, Tacna, and Arica, and the...
, requires Peru's "prior agreement" to pursue further negotiations for Chile to cede former Peruvian territory to a third party and settle the conflict.