Biden meets with Peruvian counterpart at APEC summit in Peru

​​​​​​​By Alperen Aktas

ISTANBUL (AA) - US President Joe Biden met Peruvian President Dina Boluarte during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' Week in Lima, Peru, on Friday where they discussed cooperation on various issues, including security, trade and space exploration.

Biden congratulated Boluarte on Peru hosting the summit this year and expressed appreciation for her country’s partnership with the US.

Discussions focused on enhancing collaboration in counternarcotics, economic investment and space initiatives.

Highlighting US support for Peru’s counternarcotics efforts, Biden announced a $65 million security assistance package, including the transfer of nine Black Hawk helicopters.

He commended Peru’s approval of measures to share radar information with the US for the first time in a decade.

Biden also emphasized a donation of more than 100 California Caltrain locomotives to Lima to promote environmentally-friendly transportation.

In addition, the two leaders discussed expanded space cooperation, marked by the signing of a NASA Sounding Rocket Memorandum of Understanding.

The meeting also addressed the political crisis in Venezuela, with Biden thanking Peru for its efforts in the Organization of American States bloc and the UN to advocate for a return to democratic governance in the country.