KOREAN NET

The Peruvian Congress on Nov. 19 in Lima, Peru, unanimously passed a bill designating April 1 as the annual "Korea Friendship Day." From right are Ambassador to Peru Choi Jong-uk, Democratic Party of Korea Rep. Eoh Kiyku, acting Peruvian Congress President Fernando Rospigliosi and Korea-Peru Parliamentary Friendship League President Victor Flores. (Peruvian Congress' official website)

By Charles Audouin

Peru has designated every April 1 as "Korea Friendship Day."

The Peruvian Congress on Nov. 24 announced that its acting President Fernando Rospigliosi signed a bill on the designation that had unanimously passed five days earlier with 105 votes.

The purpose of the commemorative day is to boost bilateral relations and honor the Korean community's contributions to the development of Peru's economy, academia, science and technology, society and culture.

"This project honors our solid bilateral alliance built on decades of respect, cooperation and friendship," said acting President Rospigliosi, who is also the speaker of Congress. "Korea is Peru's strategic partner in many sectors such as technological innovation, education, investment and cultural exchange, so this day is an occasion to reinforce such ties."

"Bilateral relations are very positive since the establishment in 2012 of a comprehensive strategic partnership," added Heidy Juarez Calle, chair of the Peruvian Congressional Foreign Relations Commission, in her explanation of the bill.

"As an important partner of Peru, Korea stands out in science and technology, digital government projects, smart cities, startup development, environmental issues, sustainable economic development and reinforcement of health care systems."

On its Facebook account, the Peruvian Embassy in Seoul said, "(The designation) seeks to commemorate the continuous mutual respect in politics, culture, academia and economy since bilateral relations were forged on April 1, 1963, as well as civic society's important contributions."

caudouin@korea.kr