Peru’s recently sworn-in president, Keiko Fujimori, has declared her intention to enhance bilateral relations with the United States. This move signals a shift towards closer cooperation on regional security and economic matters. Fujimori’s administration aims to join the Shield of the Americas coalition, a US-led initiative focused on combating transnational crime and promoting stability across the Western Hemisphere.
Established during the Trump administration, the Shield of the Americas coalition brings together countries in the region to coordinate efforts against drug trafficking, organized crime, and other security challenges. Peru’s participation is expected to bolster its role in regional security frameworks and strengthen diplomatic ties with Washington. This alignment reflects Fujimori’s broader foreign policy strategy to position Peru as a strategic partner of the United States.
Notably, Fujimori’s decision comes amid growing geopolitical competition in Latin America, where US influence faces challenges from other global powers. By joining this coalition, Peru seeks to secure support for its internal security priorities while contributing to collective efforts in the hemisphere. The move is likely to impact Peru’s international standing and its cooperation on economic and security issues with the US and neighboring countries.