I'm pleased to have met with President Toledo today. We had a good discussion on a range of commercial issues. We discussed Peru's recent ratification of the U.S.-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement as we now shift our attention to gaining broad support from the U.S. Congress. I greatly appreciate President Toledo's leadership efforts on this important agreement and towards building a strong, democratic and prosperous Peru.
President Bush and the Administration have worked closely with our friends and neighbors throughout the Americas on ways to remove barriers, reduce red tape and promote increased trade and openness. This positive agenda, including our Free Trade efforts with Chile, the CAFTA-DR countries, Ecuador, Panama, Peru and Colombia are connecting economic reform with the strengthening of democracy, promoting rule of law, social justice, anti-corruption efforts, and the expansion of freedom, offering a vision of hope and opportunity to the entire region.
Peru has shown courage in standing up to those who wish to turn the clock back. I congratulate President Toledo on the completion of a fair and transparent presidential election. We look forward to working with Peru’s new leadership in continuing Peru's strong democratic tradition.
Source: U.S. Department of Commerce
